"ILÉ" (THIS IS HOME), 2024: Solomon Omogboye

"Ilé," a Yoruba word meaning "home," is more than a place—it is a state of being. In this body of work, the artist embarks on a profound exploration of the search for belonging, identity, and inner peace. Through the mediums of charcoal, acrylic, and oil, "ILÉ" (THIS IS HOME) invites viewers on a reflective journey into the complexities of finding one's way back to the essence of self.

Drawing from personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the universal human condition, the artist creates a visual narrative that navigates life's twists and turns. Children, as central figures, become symbolic representations of innocence, vulnerability, and resilience. They evoke the idea that home is where all our journeys begin and end—a constant to which we return.

Inspired by the Yoruba concept of Ilé, the works prompt introspection and pose essential questions: What does home mean to you? Where do you find solace? How do you nurture your inner sanctuary? These inquiries transcend the physical, emphasizing that home is not merely a space but a deep sense of belonging and acceptance within oneself.

Through vibrant colours, varied textures, and evocative symbolism, each piece serves as a milestone—a moment of introspection or a memory. The themes of nostalgia and renewal, displacement and rediscovery, identity and self-acceptance resonate throughout, offering viewers a sense of shared experience and emotional connection. Children's faces and forms are ever-present, signifying hope and the promise of renewal that lies within each of us.

"ILÉ" (THIS IS HOME) is a collective pilgrimage towards understanding and embracing the spaces that define us. It is a celebration of resilience, self-love, and the emotional refuges we create to find peace within ourselves. Through these works, the artist beckons us to rediscover home not as a distant destination but as a sanctuary waiting to be reawakened within.