Meet Dotun Popoola; Turning Waste into Artwork

Dotun Popoola is a foremost Nigerian sculptor and environmental artist whose work powerfully demonstrates how waste can be transformed into meaningful art. Widely admired for his mastery of scrap-metal sculpture.

Popoola has carved a distinct place for himself in contemporary African art by fusing creativity with environmental advocacy trained in Fine and Applied Arts.

Dotun Popoola developed a strong foundation in sculpture and design early in his career. His academic background, combined with years of studio practice, equipped him with the technical skill and artistic discipline that now define his large-scale, intricate works. From the outset, he showed a deep curiosity for unconventional materials.

Rather than relying on traditional sculptural media, Popoola works predominantly with discarded metal, industrial scraps, and found objects. What many consider waste, he reimagines as raw material filled with history and potential. Through welding, assemblage, and careful detailing, he gives new life to abandoned materials, transforming them into expressive sculptural forms.

Popoola’s sculptures often explore themes of African identity, humanity, resilience, and cultural memory. His recurring use of human figures, masks, and symbolic forms reflects both traditional African aesthetics and contemporary social realities.

Each piece carries a narrative that connects the past with present-day environmental and societal concerns.

Beyond their visual impact, Popoola’s works serve as strong environmental statements. As an environmental artist, he uses sculpture to draw attention to issues of waste management, pollution, and sustainability. His art encourages communities to rethink consumption habits and recognize recycling as both a practical and creative solution.

Dotun Popoola has exhibited his works widely within Nigeria and internationally, earning recognition from art lovers, collectors, and environmental advocates.

His sculptures have featured in galleries, cultural festivals, public installations, and collaborative art projects, further amplifying his message of sustainability through creativity.