Nigerian artist, Fadekemi Ogunsanya, has been named among the finalists for the 2026 edition of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, one of the world’s most respected awards celebrating excellence in contemporary craft.
Her inclusion on the final shortlist places her among 30 artists selected from more than 5,100 submissions representing 133 countries and regions. The recognition highlights the growing global appreciation for African craftsmanship and the innovative artists who continue to reinterpret traditional techniques in new and meaningful ways.
The shortlisted works will be exhibited at the National Gallery Singapore from 13 May to 14 June 2026, where the eventual winner will also be announced.
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A Textile Work Rooted in Yoruba Heritage
Ogunsanya earned her place on the shortlist with a powerful textile piece titled We Are Not Lying, Your Language is Not Enough. The work combines traditional Adire Eleko resist-dyeing with intricate embroidery, beading, and Yoruba script, transforming cloth into both a visual artwork and a medium for storytelling.
Adire Eleko is a centuries-old Yoruba textile tradition known for its indigo-dyed patterns created through resist techniques. By weaving this heritage craft into contemporary artistic expression, Ogunsanya creates pieces that explore language, identity, and cultural memory.
Her process often involves working within traditional production spaces, including the historic indigo dye pits of Kofar Mata in Kano. Through this connection to heritage techniques, she preserves cultural knowledge while pushing the boundaries of how textile art can communicate meaning.
The result is work that feels both deeply rooted and boldly modern.
Global Recognition for Contemporary Craft
Launched in 2016 by the Loewe Foundation, the Craft Prize honours artists who demonstrate exceptional technical skill while presenting original artistic ideas. The award was created to celebrate craft as a vital part of contemporary culture and to support artisans who are redefining traditional materials and processes.
This year’s finalists span disciplines including ceramics, glass, metalwork, textiles, furniture, and lacquer. Each selected piece reflects extraordinary mastery of material and a willingness to experiment with inherited craft traditions.
For Ogunsanya, the nomination marks another important milestone in a career that continues to gain international attention. Her work has previously been featured in exhibitions across major art platforms, and she has been recognised as one of the contemporary artists pushing African textile art onto the global stage.
Beyond her studio practice, she is also a co-founder of No Fronting, a community-driven cultural initiative that creates space for artistic collaboration and expression among Black women and queer creatives.
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A Strong Moment for African Creative Voices
Ogunsanya’s selection for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize shortlist speaks to the wider momentum of African artists in global design and craft conversations. Across fashion, textiles, sculpture, and contemporary art, creators from the continent are redefining how heritage techniques can speak to modern audiences.
By combining Yoruba traditions with contemporary storytelling, Ogunsanya demonstrates how cultural heritage can remain dynamic rather than static. Her work shows that traditional craft is not simply preserved history but a living language that continues to evolve.
As the global art community prepares for the final announcement in May, her presence on the shortlist already stands as an important recognition of African creativity and craftsmanship.
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