Turn It Up: On Paradoxes

Jide Odukoya’s photographic series shows Nigeria abuzz through the lens of traditional Nigerian weddings.

Turn It Up: On Paradoxes deploys a critical lens to explore the paradox of parallel Nigerian worlds; contrasting cosmopolitan affluence and extravagance, with underlying economic poverty.

His work focuses on global consumerism and overindulgence, Nigeria’s contagious spirit of celebration, and moments of everyday intimacy.

Turn It Up: On Paradoxes explores parallel Nigerian worlds, contrasting cosmopolitan affluence and extravagance with economic fragility, and highlighting global consumerism alongside moments of everyday intimacy.

Odukoya’s work shows us pristine white Bentleys in Lagos’ crowded bus parks, couples showered in naira bank notes, sequins, designer gowns, and mega churches, as well as quieter moments of modest reflection and words of love.
Johanna Zetterstrom-Sharp, Deputy Keeper of Anthropology