Nigerian-Canadian Artist Oluseye Brings Yoruba Spirituality to the Art Gallery of Ontario

Toronto, Canada – Nigerian-Canadian artist Oluseye is set to return to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) with a thought-provoking new installation that explores the migration and persistence of Yoruba traditions. Titled Orí mi pé, the installation opens on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the Murray Frum Gallery on Level 2 and will remain on view through the summer of 2026.

A significant feature of the exhibition is Mẹ́rìndínlógún (cowrie shell divination), a spiritual practice that originated in West Africa and was carried to Brazil by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. In Brazil, the practice is known as O jogo de búzios, where a priest or priestess seeks guidance from the Orishas (deities) through the positioning of cowrie shells on a divination tray. Paying homage to this tradition and his own ancestral ties, Oluseye presents sixteen large bronze cowrie shells resting atop a meticulously hand-carved wooden divination tray, which features an impression of his spiritual lineage. Accompanying this striking sculpture is a video projection inspired by his recent journey to Brazil, where he consulted with Iá Tologinã, a priestess in the Candomblé tradition, to discover his governing Orisha.

Curated by Dr. Julie Crooks, Curator of Arts of Global Africa and the Diaspora at the AGO, Orí mi pé brings together elements of spirituality, mythology, and personal biography. Oluseye’s work reflects his diverse influences, including his Catholic upbringing, an interest in astrology, and his ongoing exploration of African religions. Dr. Crooks emphasizes the significance of Oluseye’s contribution, stating that his work “reminds us that the African Diasporic imagination transcends time and geography.”

A public opening for Oluseye: Orí mi pé will take place on February 15 at 2 p.m., featuring remarks by the artist and Dr. Crooks. The event is free with general admission.

The AGO continues its commitment to accessibility, offering free admission to Ontarians under 25, Indigenous Peoples, AGO Members, and Annual Pass holders. The gallery remains open late on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9 p.m. and welcomes visitors on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as select holiday Mondays.

For more details on the exhibition and membership opportunities, visit ago.ca.

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