Abraham Babajide Cole, a UK-based Nigerian artist will unveil his latest solo exhibition, ‘Bound by Roots, Divided by Paths’, on October 1, 2025.
The exhibition, which will run till October 31 at Dudley Community Library, Black Country – Birmingham, is in line with Black History Month.
“This project is about holding memory and movement together, acknowledging the fractures of history while celebrating the resilience of people who carry their culture wherever they go,” Cole said in a statement.
Through a body of work that includes paintings, drawings, interactive sculptures, and participatory workshops, Cole reimagines the historic migration stories of Modakeke and Ife, situating them within today’s global conversations about belonging and diaspora identity.
Rooted in Yoruba heritage yet shaped by his experience living in the United Kingdom, Cole’s practice bridges personal narrative and collective memory.
His art is both intimate and communal, inviting audiences to reflect on how identity is formed across borders, and how migration continues to define the human story. “Africa is not on the margins; it is at the centre of a global village.”
Alongside the artworks, ‘Bound by Roots, Divided by Paths’ will host a community programme throughout October. It will include workshops and discussions designed to bring together local residents, cultural leaders, and artists.
These events aim to create a platform for dialogue around themes of migration, resilience, and identity, highlighting the importance of storytelling in bridging generations and geographies.
By situating Yoruba heritage within the context of Black History Month in the UK, the exhibition connects local communities in the West Midlands with wider African diasporic narratives, offering a space for reflection and celebration.
Cole is a multidisciplinary Nigerian artist whose practice spans painting, drawing, sculpture, and community-based installations.
Trained in Fine Art and Design at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, he worked for over 15 years as a creative director before transitioning to full-time studio practice in 2020.
Cole has exhibited internationally, including solo shows such as Suns of Egypt (Blank Wall Gallery, Athens, 2024), Ijinlẹ Ara (The Depth of Self) (Omeka Gallery, Lagos, 2025), and Deep Introspection (ArtRooms Gallery, Birmingham, 2022).
His work often reflects themes of identity, migration, Yoruba spirituality, and collective memory.
He has also developed public commissions such as the Yoruba Heritage mural in Peckham, London (2024) and has collaborated with institutions including The Global Fund and M&C Saatchi London.
