By Peter Dansu Israel Padonu , a rising visual artist from Badagry, Lagos State, recently had the honour of meeting Her Majesty, the Queen ...
By Peter Dansu
Israel Padonu, a rising visual artist from Badagry, Lagos State, recently had the honour of meeting Her Majesty, the Queen of Denmark, during a special engagement at Madhouse by Tikera. The rare opportunity came on the heels of his selection for the Reimagining Hope residency — a collaborative programme by FMACTCE Nigeria and Madhouse by Tikera that spotlights artistic responses to pressing social and environmental issues.
Padonu was one of only two artists chosen for the residency, which encouraged participants to explore creative solutions through visual storytelling. In his meeting with the Queen and her delegation, he presented his unique artistic practice, which focuses on upcycling discarded materials into striking relief sculptures. His work, he explained, is not just about aesthetics but about pushing conversations around environmental sustainability and subconscious reprogramming.
Taking to social media after the event, Padonu expressed deep gratitude to photographer and creative leader Bayo Omoboriowo and the entire Madhouse by Tikera team for their mentorship and belief in young talent. He credited their support with helping emerging artists like himself gain access to global platforms and recognition.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my work and contribute to shaping the future we all dream of,” Padonu wrote, acknowledging the weight of the moment and the responsibility that comes with it.
The Reimagining Hope residency continues to serve as a launchpad for artistic innovation across Africa, empowering creatives to confront real-world challenges through art — and Israel Padonu is now proudly part of that story.
Credit: CityMood, Israel Padonu
No comments