Ifeoma U. Anyaeji makes distinctive sculptures and installations from discarded bottles and non-biodegradable plastic bags. Interested in traditional craft processes and the use of non-conventional materials, her work explores transitions of West African culture, specifically drawing on the folklore, fashion, music and poetry of Nigeria, where she is from.

Using a method which she describes as Plasto-art, Anyaeji creates intricately-woven structures and reliefs with a West African hair-plaiting technique known as Ikpa Owu in Igbo language (Threading), an increasingly obsolete hair-craft in Nigeria. By combining this with traditional basketry and fabric weaving techniques, Anyaeji reflects on the loss of such traditions.

For her first solo presentation in the UK, Anyaeji will present a selection of recent work in BALTIC’s Level 2 gallery.