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Q: Tell us about yourself - Personal background, early influences, key moments that propelled you into the Arts.
R: Salu Iwadi Studio is a design studio at the intersection of creativity and cultural exploration, dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the rich heritage of the African diaspora.
Our mission is to blend modern innovation with historical methodologies, creating objects, spaces, and experiences that pay homage to the diverse and vibrant heritage of the various cultures of the continent.
Salu Iwadi Studio was founded between Nigeria and Senegal by architect, designer, artist Toluwalase Rufai and brand strategist, curator Sandia Nassila in 2023 on the belief that design is a powerful medium for storytelling and connection. We strive to bridge the gap between the past, the present and the future, weaving narratives that transcend time, space and place.
Q: Tell us about your most iconic work and the evolution of your style.
R: The Water Basin Totem aims to highlight the use of recycled materials in the built environment to raise awareness about pressing water issues in Africa. It seeks to inspire contemplation and dialogue, emphasizing the significance of water conservation, sustainable practices, and individuals' vital role in protecting Africa's precious water bodies.
Africa is estimated to be the second-largest contributor to plastic pollution in the world's oceans, accounting for approximately 20% of global plastic waste leakage into the seas. The consumption of single-use plastics presents significant challenges to water bodies, ecosystems, and African communities. Coastal areas and major urban centers in Africa, such as Dakar, Senegal, where the installation is located, are hotspots for plastic pollution, with improper waste disposal and lack of recycling infrastructure being key contributors to this global issue.
The radial and tubular form of the installation creates a striking juxtaposition from its contextual surroundings with its use of color, order, and scale, inviting visitors to reflect on the vital role water plays in shaping Africa's past, present, and future. As they immerse themselves in this visually captivating experience, the hope is to instill a sense of responsibility and empowerment, inspiring individuals to take conscious steps to protect Africa's water resources, foster sustainability, and ensure that the glistening reflections of our water bodies continue to grace our landscapes for generations.
Water basins hold significant symbolism in West African households due to their versatility, affordability, and practicality in addressing water-related challenges. They are used for various purposes, including water and goods storage and rainwater harvesting systems, which allow communities to capture and store rainwater for drinking, cooking, hygiene, and irrigation. The lightweight and portable nature of the basins facilitates easy transportation and storage of water. When properly maintained, these basins can last generations, contributing to effective plastic waste management. Additionally, they can be recycled upon damage, promoting a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
The reflective surfaces used in the installation were repurposed from discarded building site materials. The strategic positioning of the reflective surfaces invites viewers to engage in a thought-provoking and immersive experience that challenges their perception of reality as the reflections are fragmented, filtered, and duplicated upon entering the volume. This reflective state allows observers to contemplate their involvement in plastic pollution, urging them to envision a better future by engaging in dialogue and proposing sustainable solutions. The luminescent nature of the reflective surfaces allows the installation to change character as the sun moves around the installation, allowing for a different experience depending on the time of visit.
The materials used to create this installation, include 84 recycled plastic basins with repurposed plexiglass attached to the base of each one and 12 up-cycled steel frames sitting on a 2m steel base with plexiglass attached to the top of the base which were all manufactured in close proximity to the final gallery destination. The modular nature of the design means it can easily be dismantled and moved to another site in the future to continue to showcase a sustainable approach and encourage the audience to rethink the usage and impact of everyday materials in the built environment.
Q: How have your influences manifested in your work?
R: We are very influenced by our immediate surroundings and the communities that have raised us. We try to find beauty in the daily rituals and practices that make us who we are and amplify these through the lens of design.
Q: Tell us more about your techniques, methods and approach, and how you blend that to influence your heritage and style.
R: With the Patewo chair, we wanted to pay tribute to the intricate beauty and poetic nature of the Yoruba language. It is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it celebrates the artistry and tradition inherent in this hairstyle, while also exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the interconnectedness of the African diaspora.
The chair's frame is constructed from sleek, curved steel members, echoing the fluidity and movement of the Patewo hairstyle. Each curve is carefully sculpted to evoke the graceful contours of the hairstyle, while also providing ergonomic support and comfort for the seated individual. The chair's form and composition are designed to evoke a sense of movement and dynamism, as if the members are in constant motion, dancing and swaying with the rhythm of life in equilibrium. This dynamic quality symbolizes the resilience and vitality of Nigerian culture, as well as the ever-evolving nature of identity and self-expression. Each individual member is meticulously sculpted, capturing the intricate weaving, and twisting that characterizes the Patewo hairstyle. The members cascade down the chair's surface, forming a mesmerizing tapestry of interlocking patterns and shapes.
Through its evocative imagery and rich symbolism, the chair invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of cultural heritage, the power of self-expression, and the importance of honoring traditions in a rapidly changing world. It serves as a timeless celebration of the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the Patewo hairstyle, while also inviting dialogue and appreciation for Nigeria's rich cultural tapestry.
Q: Please describe how you have utilized your medium to advance discussions and enhance global perceptions of African Art. What obstacles or challenges have you faced in doing that if any?
R: With the water basin totem we were able to use an everyday product found in every African household to tackle a significant issue we can find in most coastal cities around the world which is the pollution of our water bodies by single-use plastic.
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