Stories in Conversation with Badru Taofeek

Absa, in proud partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), is proud to present Thorns and Crown, a solo exhibition by Badru Taofeek, one of the 2022 Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors. Hosted at Alliance Française de Lagos Nigeria, this powerful and intricately constructed showcase forms part of Absa’s 2025 Pan-African Gallery Exhibition Series, a platform spotlighting rising voices in African contemporary art across five nations.

Now in its 39th year, Absa L’Atelier is one of Africa’s longest-running and most prestigious visual arts development programmes. As part of their L’Atelier journey, each Ambassador receives funding, mentorship and a fully sponsored solo exhibition. A professional platform designed to elevate their practice and bring their stories to new audiences.

Thorns and Crown is a deeply reflective body of work that interrogates the unseen labour of leadership and the delicate balance between visibility, expectation and inner struggle. Through a richly layered collection of hand embroidery, bronze sculpture and textile installations, Taofeek invites viewers into an emotional landscape where reverence and responsibility coexist.

At the centre of the exhibition is the Yoruba beaded crown; a traditional emblem of power, beauty and cultural continuity. In Taofeek’s hands, however, the crown becomes something more: a symbol of sacrifice, loneliness and unspoken emotional weight. Stitched human forms rendered in skin-tone threads, trousers adorned with Adire Eleko patterns, and contemplative bronze figures create a symbolic vocabulary of tension and resilience.

“To lead is to stand at the centre, but often alone,” says Taofeek. “These works reflect that solitude, the beauty and the burden. “The beaded crown has always fascinated me. It holds history and honour, but also pressure. In this body of work, I’ve tried to unpick the duality of leadership, how it is both admired and quietly endured.”

This exhibition is more than a personal statement, it’s a contribution to a broader pan-African narrative that Absa is helping shape through its L’Atelier platform.

“Badru’s Thorns and Crown is a poignant and timely exploration of identity, vulnerability and tradition,” says Sadiq Abu, Country Chief Executive Officer of the Absa Group in Nigeria. “It’s a body of work that asks us to look beyond the surface of success and consider the emotional weight behind leadership.  A theme that resonates not only in the cultural space but also within the broader business and societal context in Nigeria today. At Absa, we believe that creativity and commerce are not mutually exclusive, both are vital drivers of progress and innovation. Through the Absa L’Atelier, we are proud to support artists like Badru Taofeek who are reshaping narratives and challenging perceptions. This exhibition reflects the richness of Nigerian talent and underscores our commitment to empowering Africa’s future leaders,  in the arts, in business and beyond.”

“At Absa, we believe that sustainable progress is built on a foundation of integrity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage,” adds Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman, Absa Group Nigeria. “Badru Taofeek’s ‘Thorns and Crown’ exhibition embodies these values, offering a poignant exploration of leadership’s dualities; its burdens and its honours. Through this platform, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering voices that challenge perceptions and inspire transformation across Africa.”

Marc Brébant, Director of Alliance Française de Lagos, adds, “With over 300 cultural events proposed to 50,000 people each year, Alliance Française de Lagos is one of the most important cultural centres on the continent. At Alliance Française de Lagos, we believe every exhibition is a chance to tell our stories differently. Our partnership with Absa, now in its second year, continues to create meaningful platforms for emerging African artists like Badru Taofeek to share their stories, challenge narratives, and inspire audiences. We are especially proud to partner with the Absa L’Atelier programme, which for nearly 40 years has played a pivotal role in promoting pan-African emerging artists to wider audiences. This solo exhibition is a celebration of Badru’s creative journey and a testament to the richness of cross-cultural exchange between Nigeria, South Africa, and the wider continent. We are honoured to be part of this initiative nurturing the next generation of African voices in the arts.”

Exhibition Details

●  Exhibition Dates: 7 – 28 June 2025

●  Title: Thorns and Crown

●  Artist: Badru Taofeek – 2022 Absa L’Atelier Ambassador

●  Venue: Alliance Française Lagos, 9 Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

●  Admission: Free and open to the public