IRÈ

"In September 2023, Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński arrived in Lagos for a research residency at Yinka Shonibare’s G.A.S. Foundation as the inaugural Access ART X Prize (Diaspora) awardee. Immersed in the city’s rhythm—and in Yoruba cosmology, language, and West African studio photography—she began the cycle Iré (Blessings).

The first iteration, for ART X Lagos 2023, grew from mentorship with Prof. Jelili Atiku and the Ifá verse Odù Ọ̀wọ́nrín Ogbè, centering orí tútù (a calm head) and Ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́ (balanced character). Guided by Lagos-based photographer Amaize Ojeikere, works such as Orí mi, Ẹyẹ wúrà, and Ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́ echo the intimacy of 1960s–70s studio portraiture, reflecting on return, renewal, family, and migration.

The second iteration, Irè T’ónlọ Lọ́wọ́ (Blessings, ongoing), premiered at Gallery Wonnerth Dejaco, Vienna (2024). Staged like a West African studio, it weaves movement and stillness, tradition and innovation—honouring what Okwui Enwezor called “the routes and roots” of life, embracing blessings past and yet to come." Jumoke Sanwo, 2024