The Macallan, world-renowned Scottish whisky brand, has partnered with Alexis Galleries for the second edition of Recycling Matters, a thought-provoking group exhibition that explores waste, material transformation, and sustainability within Nigeria’s contemporary socio-economic landscape. Following the completion of its artist residency programme, Recycling Matters II builds on the success of its inaugural edition and reinforces a shared commitment to craftsmanship, longevity, and responsible creative practice.
Hosted at Alexis Gallery in Lagos, the exhibition, which will be held on February 7th, 2026, presents new works developed during the recently concluded residency by four contemporary Nigerian artists, Konboye Ebipade Eugene, Seye Morakinyo, Aliya Diseotu Victor, and Ibrahim Afegbua, whose practices are rooted in reclaiming discarded materials and reimagining their value. Through sculpture, assemblage, and mixed media, the artists transform rubber, scrap metal, fabric remnants, footwear, binding wires, and paper into expressive works that reflect Nigeria’s patterns of consumption, survival, and reinvention.
Recycling Matters II positions art as both medium and message. In a society shaped by rapid disposal and an import-driven economy, the exhibition interrogates how waste accumulates and circulates, while proposing creative renewal as a response. The resulting works challenge conventional notions of utility and worth, encouraging audiences to reconsider the environmental and cultural narratives embedded in everyday discarded materials.
Speaking about the residency, Ibrahim Afegbua, a sculptor known for his intricate use of binding wires and cut-off pipes, described the programme as a vital platform for artistic exploration and public engagement. “This residency gives me the space to experiment with wire and metal in ways that introduce new techniques and forms. It also allows audiences to witness the possibilities within these materials and understand the process, rhythm, and storytelling that shape my work,” he said.
Mixed-media artist Seye Morakinyo, who works primarily with discarded fabrics and paper, noted that the residency encourages experimentation beyond conventional boundaries. His process of cutting, layering, and moulding found materials reflects a deliberate effort to upcycle what is often overlooked, revealing new depth and texture through reuse.
Internationally recognised for transforming abandoned footwear into meditative stitched compositions, Konboye Ebipade Eugene brings a practice shaped by resilience and human experience. His work, previously featured by Reuters and the BBC, demonstrates how waste materials can hold powerful social and emotional meaning.
For sculptor Aliya Diseotu Victor, whose primary medium is sheet metal, the residency provides a platform to explore anatomy, interior space, and cultural heritage through recycled forms. Drawing from Ijaw traditions and human and animal structures, his works showcase the aesthetic and environmental potential of reclaimed materials.
Reflecting on the partnership, Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager, West and Central Africa (WACA), Edrington Portfolio, highlighted the alignment between The Macallan’s philosophy and the ethos of the residency. “At The Macallan, we value patience, process, and purpose. Supporting Recycling Matters II allows us to champion artists who approach their craft with intention and depth, while fostering meaningful dialogue around sustainability, mentorship, and long-term creative impact,” he said.
Curated as the outcome of a completed residency and presented as a public exhibition opening on February 7th, 2026, Recycling Matters II repositions waste as a site of memory, resilience, and renewal. Through the transformation of overlooked materials into compelling visual narratives, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect on environmental responsibility and the role of art in shaping a more sustainable material culture in Nigeria.
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