Grow Where You Are Planted

When a climbing plant is searching for sunlight or support, its stems form tendrils, allowing it to grow towards objects or hosts around which it can twine. Mirroring those plants, immigrants like myself navigate challenges like nostalgia and homesickness

When a climbing plant is searching for sunlight or support, its stems form tendrils, allowing it to grow towards objects or hosts around which it can twine. Mirroring those plants, immigrants like myself navigate challenges like nostalgia and homesickness in adapting to our new homes while attempting to retain the uniqueness of our origins. Culturally dislocated and seeking to keep our memories alive, we become hybrids of different families, worlds and allegiances.

Using ornamental Nigerian Geles (head ties) as expressive simulacra of this experience, this project explores the balance of vulnerability and tenacity required to exist in that threshold between cultures.

Artwork Info

Type of Work Dimensional Textile Sculpture
Medium Nigerian Gele (head tie) textile, bamboo cord, acrylic yarn, aluminum wire
Dimensions Each head tie is approx. 36” x72”. Overall installation dimensions are variable
Subject Matter Dimensional fiber sculpture, installation, mixed media, textiles, immigrant experience

Artist Info

Bukola Koiki

Instructor
Joined: July 2, 2012

Rights: All Rights Reserved

Appears In 1 Album

4 items

Bukola Koiki MFA Applied Craft + Design Practicum 2015