Elitha’s Fine Art & Collectables presents Sankofa Chronicles, a powerful debut solo exhibition by Nigerian artist Tóyọ̀sí Saliu, running from May 19 to 31, 2025.
Blending realism with rich symbolism, the collection explores African identity, ancestral memory, and the visual reclamation of precolonial West African heritage.
Named after the Akan word Sankofa “to go back and fetch it” the collection encourages reflection on history to shape the future. Saliu draws on Ghanaian traditions, incorporating Adinkra symbols, Akan gold weights, and 24-karat gold halos to honour cultural knowledge, spiritual dignity, and Ghana’s historic legacy as the “Gold Coast.”
symbolising wealth, divinity, and spiritual elevation.
Authentic cultural practices are reclaimed: men wear earrings, women are bare-chested, and bald heads represent purity and beauty, challenging colonial modesty and Western beauty standards. Purple garments signal royalty, while each figure reminds us of the sacred in Black identity.
Sankofa Chronicles is both a visual archive and a spiritual reclamation, a powerful return to memory, pride, and the richness of African legacy.
Though I am Nigerian, I’ve always felt a profound cultural and spiritual connection to West African visual language. Sankofa Chronicles is about returning to the essence of who we are as Africans, before colonisation, before we were told to conform to Western norms and forget our history,” says Saliu.
Tóyọ̀sí Saliu is a London-based artist whose oil paintings skilfully merge realism and symbolismto explore themes of identity, spirituality, and the human experience. Formally trained in Art and Design at Lewisham College and holding a BA from the University for the Creative Arts, Tóyọ̀sí draws deeply from her cultural heritage, creating work that is both visually arresting and emotionally profound.
Her paintings are a powerful tribute to the beauty and strength of African cultures, often incorporating traditional African attire, 24-carat gold, and intricate detail. By reimagining her subjects through a divine and regal lens, Tóyọ̀sí celebrates overlooked narratives and the unyielding spirit of African identities.
At the heart of her practice lies a fascination with symbols, metaphors, and the dynamic between our primal instincts and the world around us. Her work delves into philosophy, psychology, and what it means to be human, offering viewers more than just aesthetic beauty but a story, a question, a reflection.
Tóyọ̀sí’s unique style creates a compelling harmony between the sleekness of contemporary art and the timelessness of archetypal imagery, showcasing her deep understanding of both modern design principles and historic motifs. Each piece challenges, inspires, and educates — encouraging a deeper engagement with the rich legacy of African cultures.
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