Prince Saheed Adelakun Unveils KókóẸwà Exhibition at Mydrim Gallery in Lagos
Three years after its inception, Prince Saheed Adelakun has brought his acclaimed art series, KókóẸwà (Essence of Beauty), to the Mydrim Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos. This two-week exhibition, which opened on April 4, 2026, and runs until April 18, 2026, features 45 compelling works that delve into the multifaceted nature of African beauty, appealing directly to the senses, particularly sight, to exalt cultural identity and feminine grace.
Exploring Dual Themes: Dúdúyẹmí and Ojú Tó ń Sọ̀rọ̀
The exhibition is structured around two interconnected visual explorations: Dúdúyẹmí (Dark Skin Fits) and Ojú Tó ń Sọ̀rọ̀ (The Eyes That Speak). The Dúdúyẹmí series celebrates the richness of African skin, highlighting the sensual geometry of body forms and the cultural symbolism of adornments such as natural hairstyles, waist beads, body markings, and floral-patterned draperies. In contrast, the Ojú Tó ń Sọ̀rọ̀ portrait series presents women with calm and composed faces emerging from vibrant fields of painterly colour, emphasizing the expressive power of the human gaze.
Together, these works propose that beauty is not found in isolated features but in the harmonious interplay of form, identity, and cultural consciousness. The faces in the exhibition speak of presence, the bodies affirm vitality, and the colours evoke emotional atmospheres that situate the African woman’s figure within dynamic worlds of energy and experience.
Artist's Vision and Inspirations
Adelakun explained that the series began in 2021, inspired by Fela Kuti's song Yellow Fever, which sparked his interest in exploring the essence of black skin. "I marveled at the beauty of a lady I saw one day, and this led me to research further into skin tones and cultural perceptions," he said. The artist selected both dark and light-skinned models, noting that dark-skinned individuals shone brilliantly in their natural complexion, prompting reflections on societal pressures and skin bleaching.
He aims to showcase the elegance of Nigerian women and encourage self-acceptance. "Society sometimes makes us forget who we are, and this exhibition is a reminder that beauty resides within us," Adelakun added. His attention to detail, as seen in works like The Accommodation II, draws from techniques ranging from impressionism to hyperrealism, ensuring each piece tells a compelling story.
Gallery's Perspective and Impact
Sinmidele Adesanya, founder of Mydrim Gallery, expressed delight in hosting Adelakun for the third time, praising his integrity and the inspiring narratives behind his works. "Adelakun is the Prince of the Rope Medium, and his pieces challenge viewers to reflect on communal living, purposeful existence, and impact," she said. Each artwork embodies a vision, story, and mission, contributing to broader conversations in contemporary African art about reclaiming cultural philosophies as living sources of artistic meaning.
Through KókóẸwà, Adelakun extends his investigation beyond the eyes and body to encompass the broader landscape of African feminine identity in modern times. The exhibition serves as a visual meditation on femininity, dignity, and presence, positioning African women as embodiments of cultural memory and aesthetic philosophy rather than mere subjects of representation.
