Eye of the EarthSamuel Nnorom

Through the artwork of Nigerian artist Samuel Nnorom, Eye of the Earth highlights the intertwined narratives of colonialization, forced migration, displacement, overconsumption, production, and identity. This exhibition – the artist’s first solo museum show in Ontario – invites visitors to reflect on the systems shaping our world and the importance of collective action toward a more sustainable and kind future.  

Through striking combinations of repurposed textiles, Nnorom’s work sheds light on the global legacies of colonization and the modern crises of waste and displacement. One of the main materials in his work is Ankara—a textile with historical connections to colonization and Transatlantic movements. Nnorom’s art explores how textiles and clothing can move freely across borders, while people cannot. This theme underscores the harsh realities of forced and voluntary migration, while prompting reflection on the disparity between people’s freedoms and the free movement of goods and waste. 

This exhibition will present Nnorom’s art alongside items from the Museum’s collection, creating a rich, multi-faceted dialogue on the enduring effects of extraction and consumption. 

Central to the exhibition is the belief in the interconnectedness of humanity, and the power of collective action to create change. Co-curated by Julia Brucculieri and Raven Spiratos, the exhibition encourages visitors to ask how we can foster collective care for each other and the world we share, while reflecting on the global cycle of consumption, displacement and cultural identity.
 

ARTIST BIO

Samuel Nnorom, born in Abia State, Nigeria, in 1990, is an award-winning artist who uses his practice as an outlet for exploring the interconnectedness of society. Using a mix of Ankara (African wax print fabric) scraps, Okrika (secondhand clothes), discarded foam and fibres, the artist creates large-scale soft sculptures that invite discussions on migration and displacement, waste, value, politics, consumption, power, and identity.  

For Nnorom, fabrics evoke a sense of social structure and represent the interlacing of humanity into society. In his work, often characterized by bubble forms, bindle shapes, and netting, he contemplates socio-political structures, consumerism, industrialization, and the ongoing effects of colonialism.  

Nnorom holds an MFA in sculpture from the University of Nigeria and belongs to the New Nsukka School of Art. He has completed residencies with The Art House (UK), Black Rock Senegal, and the Yinka Shonibare Foundation’s Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Nigeria. This year, he had another solo exhibition at Saatchi Gallery London and his artwork has been featured in group shows and art fairs in Africa, Europe, America, and Asia. Additionally, Nnorom’s pieces are included in several collections, including the Taguchi Collection, Anthony David Collections, Fondazione Marino Golinelli Collection, Ettore Fico Museum, the Schulting Art Collection, and others.