Matthew Ehizele Unveils "Heart of Steel" Exhibition

Matthew Ehizele, a sculptor and art scholar, has embarked on a new chapter following his retirement from the University of Benin in 2023, after a distinguished academic career that included lecturing at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from 1986 to 2001. His debut solo exhibition, "Udu Ematon (Heart of Steel)," held at the National Museum in Onikan, features sculptures crafted from discarded steel, reflecting his technical mastery and creative vision.

The exhibition includes notable works such as "Water Goddess" (2015), a monumental red steel figure that embodies feminine strength and challenges gender assumptions. Ehizele's sculptures transform rigid steel into expressive forms, drawing on Edo cosmology and addressing themes of memory and identity.

His work is characterized by meticulous welding and assembly, with titles that resonate deeply with cultural pride. The exhibition not only marks a personal milestone for Ehizele but also highlights his significant influence on contemporary Nigerian sculpture.