Konboye Eugene, a Nigerian artist, is making waves in the art world by turning discarded footwear into colorful portraits, a practice that began as a student project at Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, Nigeria. Now a full-time artist based in Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Eugene aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of waste while providing a new life to materials often overlooked.
After seven years as a professional artist, Eugene reflects on the journey that sparked his passion for environmental sustainability. He noted that his initial project evolved his understanding of waste management. Eugene explained that he sources materials from various locations, stating, “I source my material through landfills, the streets, literally everywhere, anywhere.”
His artistic process begins with collecting and washing the footwear before selecting and sorting them based on color and tone. Eugene employs two main techniques: an assemblage style, where he assembles the footwear directly, and a tapestry approach, where the materials are broken down into smaller pieces and reassembled using wire. He revealed that the creation process can be time-consuming, often taking between two to six months.
The artist also faces challenges such as creative blocks and safety hazards due to the sharp tools involved in his work. Despite these obstacles, Eugene emphasizes the importance of his message, hoping to change perceptions around waste management and inspire others. “We are creating awareness through this work so people know what and how to manage their footwear and other fashion waste,” he stated.
Climate change expert Olumide Idowu supports Eugene’s efforts, advocating for increased education on reducing and reusing waste. Idowu believes that creative approaches to waste management can encourage better practices. He asserted, “Waste is not the end of a product’s story. With creativity, responsibility and even innovation, it can become the beginning of something new.”
For Eugene, his artistry is not merely self-expression but a means of survival and inspiration for upcoming artists. He wishes for his audience to experience his work in person, as it offers a different perception than what is displayed digitally. Eugene described the acceptance of his work as “massive” and acknowledges the relatability of using discarded materials.
Through his artwork, Konboye Eugene highlights the potential for waste to be repurposed, underscoring a critical message about environmental responsibility and community engagement.
