Invitation to Invade
BY ADEDOLAPO BOLUWATIFE
Growing up in Lagos, I witnessed the devastating impact of flooding, often caused by plastic waste. This realisation ignited my passion for addressing environmental issues through my photography, leading to the creation of my project, Invitation to Invade. I collected plastic waste, transforming it into a visual narrative before depositing it at a recycling plant, aiming to provoke thought and raise awareness about pollution.
My art is deeply rooted in personal experiences, shaped by my thoughts, opinions, and the world around me. This connection to nature was further reinforced during the 2020 pandemic when I returned to my parents’ home. My mom’s garden became my sanctuary, revealing nature’s healing power and inspiring me to engage in meaningful conversations about environmental issues.
Invitation to Invade is a conceptual fine art photography series that challenges viewers to confront plastic pollution. Using symbolism and striking imagery, the series blends beauty with an unsettling truth about waste’s dominance over humanity, urging us to rethink our relationship with the planet and take responsibility for its future.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES & FEARS FOR THE CLIMATE CRISIS & COP29?
My hopes for COP29 are that global leaders will take decisive action, moving beyond discussions to implement concrete solutions that address the climate crisis with urgency. I fear, however, that despite the clear evidence of environmental damage, the necessary commitments to reducing plastic waste and curbing carbon emissions may fall short, leaving us vulnerable to the worsening impacts of climate change. My work, including Invitation to Invade, is a call to action, both to the authorities and the people, I believe it is time for people to also take responsibility for climate action and I hope COP29 will spark the kind of systemic change that ensures a sustainable future for the planet.
ABOUT ADEDOLAPO
Adedolapo Boluwatife, a photographer and filmmaker from Lagos, Nigeria, was born in Ojodu in 1996. He studied English and Literary Studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he first explored photography, inspired by modernist and avant-garde artists like Alfred Stieglitz, Ansel Adams, and Rotimi Fani-Kayode. As an introvert, he found photography and filmmaking the most effective ways to express his thoughts and experiences. His nature-themed work reflects personal and societal struggles, including mental health, freedom, and environmental issues. Known for natural lighting and intense compositions, Adedolapo’s art sheds light on beauty, gender, politics, and culture. His accolades include finalist placements in the Lens Culture Fine Art Award (2024) and CAP Prize (2024), and he’s been published in Nataal UK, Nowness, and MAPS Magazine S. Korea. His exhibitions span Paris, Lagos, and Côte d’Ivoire. Currently, he focuses on projects addressing mental health and climate, inviting viewers to reflect on resilience and authenticity amidst societal challenges.