In a groundbreaking collaboration, SOLDIER, the visionary Nigerian artist, is set to unveil a collection of limited hand-printed skateboards exclusively at Dover Street Market London on February 3rd, 2024.
This artistic venture, titled the "waf. Skatepark Project," not only showcases SOLDIER's renowned painting, "Ozioma (with a white rabbit)" but also contributes to the construction of Nigeria's inaugural purpose-built skatepark.
The exclusive skateboard launch features SOLDIER's celebrated painting, "Ozioma (with a white rabbit)." This poignant piece, created with acrylics and pigments on cotton canvas, captures the essence of SOLDIER's eldest sister at the tender age of three. The artwork, a fusion of Westernised innocence and Nigerian nuance, reflects SOLDIER's admiration for purity and simplicity, providing a glimpse into the artist's formative years in Lagos, Nigeria, and the familial bonds that shaped his perspective.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, SOLDIER channels disruption into art, reinventing traditional patterns to drive rebellion. His journey from Lagos to London finds resonance in the vibrant creative milieu of the latter, where he discovered fertile ground for his artistic expression.
SOLDIER's disruptive art introduces an element of non-conformity to environments bound by strict guidelines. His portraits, characterised by keen attention to detail and societal critique, serve as powerful vehicles for introspection.
The collaboration with WAFFLESNCREAM is not merely an artistic endeavour but a commitment to supporting the waf. Skatepark Project. For each hand-printed deck sold, a percentage of profits will contribute to the construction of Nigeria's first purpose-built skatepark.
WAFFLESNCREAM, Nigeria's premier skateboarding brand, has been dedicated to fostering and amplifying the skate community for over a decade. The waf. Skatepark Project seeks to create a concrete, state-of-the-art skate facility in Lagos—a space for expression, youth development, and economic growth. The initiative emphasizes gender equality, minority inclusion, economic empowerment, and NGO sustainability, making skateboarding in Nigeria an inclusive and safe space.
SOLDIER's relationship with waf. goes beyond art; it's a transformative journey that began when he ran away from home at 16. Infatuated with skate culture, SOLDIER became an integral part of Lagos' skating community through waf., helping paint their first physical skate shop, designing tees, and skating for the store. This journey exemplifies the essence of waf.'s Skatepark Project—to create opportunities, build communities, and change lives.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, SOLDIER co-founded the skate crew MOTHERLAN alongside Slawn and Onyedi, a testament to the profound impact of skate culture on his life.
As SOLDIER's limited hand-printed boards hit Dover Street Market London on February 3rd, 2024, the convergence of art, rebellion, and community building takes centre stage. This collaboration is not just about skateboards; it's about laying the foundations for cultural revolution, inclusivity, and economic growth through the waf. Skatepark Project.
