ANJBLOOMS x MUSE & MUSEUMS
Studio Ododo: A Documentation of Yoruba Floral Practices at It's Ok* Studios
March 8 – 16, 2025Studio Ododo is an immersive installation that explores the rich floral traditions within Yoruba culture, drawing from both historical documentation and contemporary interpretations. Serving as a companion piece to Yoruba Floral Practices: A Floral Arrangement Workshop, led by Anjeola Salami, the installation is an exploration of cultural identity and artistic expression.
Inspired by the works of African photographers such as Seydou Keïta, Malick Sidibé, and Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou, Studio Ododo is a reconstruction of a vibrant West African photo studio. It features a boldly patterned backdrop, archival photographs, vintage-inspired props, and intricately arranged floral compositions that highlight the cultural significance of flowers in Yoruba customs, spirituality, and everyday life.
The floral arrangements, created by artist and floral designer Anjeola Salami, merge traditional Yoruba botanical symbolism with contemporary floral artistry. Through vivid colours, dynamic forms, and diverse textures, these arrangements emphasize the deep-rooted connection between Yoruba people and nature. The installation reimagines a space where personal history and collective memory intertwine through striking floral arrangements and archival imagery.
The archival photographs in this installation come from the personal collections of Shadio Hussein and Anjeola Salami. They capture intimate family moments and illustrate the interplay of culture and florals in the art of documentation. Serving as inspiration for the floral displays, these images enrich Studio Ododo with layers of historical and cultural depth, deepening its exploration of memory, identity, and preservation.
Presented in partnership with Funmi Ajala and Shadio Hussein of Muse & Museums, a curatorial team dedicated to spotlighting local BIPOC artists, Studio Ododo examines Yoruba floral practices as a vital form of cultural documentation, preserving their role in ritual, adornment, and storytelling across generations.
Documentation photographs were taken by Shadio Hussein.
The goal of the installation was to invite visitors to interact with the space, take photos, and become part of the living narrative of Studio Ododo, as you can see unfolding in the video.