Soldier Exhibits New Paintings At Plaster's London HQ

Plaster has partnered with London-based artist Soldier, whose real name is Leonard Iheagwam, to present his newest collection of artworks in a collaborative exhibition titled "Military Abstractions." This exhibition is scheduled to open ahead of Frieze London and will occupy the first two floors of Plaster's headquarters located in Soho. The event serves as an extension of Plaster's ongoing commitment to promoting emerging artists and fostering connections within the art community through physical events. Soldier, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, has been establishing himself as a prominent and exciting new voice in the London art scene. His artistic practice frequently draws upon his personal experiences, with significant inspiration derived from Lagos' skateboarding culture, religious practices, and military surplus items, which are then translated into distinct visual elements in his work. The "Military Abstractions" exhibition delves into Soldier's recurring themes, such as camouflage patterns and toy soldiers. These motifs are employed as a visual commentary on geopolitical dynamics and military influence, prompting a deeper examination of the repercussions of warfare and external intervention in post-colonial nations. Soldier recontextualizes camouflage, moving beyond its original military associations and transforming it through collage techniques that are central to his unique artistic perspective and methodology. The exhibition will feature six new large-scale artworks, with four of these pieces being made available for purchase. In addition to the paintings, signed posters and limited-edition T-shirts will also be offered for sale. Furthermore, an exclusive release of 50 original editions is planned for online acquisition through a registration-required drop, which will commence concurrently with the private viewing event. This collaboration between Plaster and Soldier represents a significant initiative aimed at uniting different facets of the art world and celebrating young artists who are gaining prominence beyond London. The exhibition provides a platform for Soldier to showcase his evolving artistic vision and engage with a wider audience interested in contemporary art that addresses complex social and political themes. Plaster, as an organization, continues its mission to support and elevate new talent, utilizing its physical spaces to create impactful cultural experiences. The "Military Abstractions" exhibition is a testament to this mission, offering a compelling narrative through visual art that resonates with themes of identity, history, and global affairs. Further updates and visual content from the exhibition can be found on the Instagram accounts of both Plaster and Soldier, as well as through coverage on platforms like Hypebeast.