“Ìlànà Òrí-òkè àtiyanrìn: T(h)reading Sand and Mountains explores the fusion of my experiences in American and Nigerian culture. These works are a meditation on my life growing up in Nigeria alongside my experiences during my graduate program over the last three years in the United States. I delve into cultural perspectives within and outside of my narrative, tracing identity and creativity within the dynamic context of both countries. This body of work is centered on my observations regarding the differences between my former life in Nigeria and my current life in the United States. I work with a range of materials and imagery including sand, spiral forms, repurposed blue denim jeans, Yoruba Indigo batik patterns, barn quilt patterns, and other geometric forms. I traverse through themes of history, identity, personal struggles, family, traditions, and culture shock. Working with mixed media has led to a more personal way of describing cross-cultural narratives, raising questions about the strangeness of existing in both worlds.” - A.A.