BOOK LAUNCH WHEN I WAS SEVENTEEN OLU MICHAEL ODUKOYA EDITIONS 30.05.25 H18:30
When I Was Seventeen integrates painting, sculpture, and digital archives to investigate memory and nostalgia, combining 25 years of Google search data with bronze sculptures, sketches, and soundscapes. The book examines society’s obsession with youth and beauty, reflecting on the nostalgic memories we craft around these ideals. Yet, we often overlook the deeper significance of youth and its enduring impact. When I was Seventeen draws from two decades of Google Alert searches, transformed into a public data-graphic library, showcasing how technology and algorithms deepen our disconnection from youth. While algorithms shape the beginning, human reflection guides the journey.
Olu Odukoya is an interdisciplinary artist and designer working across painting, sculpture, and book design. His practice bridges traditional techniques with contemporary themes, exploring memory, everyday life, and cultural exchange through both individual and collaborative projects. At the heart of his work is a commitment to fostering connections—between people, communities, and ideas. His oil paintings reinterpret everyday moments into intimate narratives, often inspired by family and friends. Simultaneously, his creative studio OMO creates and accompanying magazine Modern Matter engage with media and technology to reframe personal and collective histories. His artist book design also emphasizes collaboration, creating books that function as dynamic, evolving artifacts rather than static showcases. O. recently launched Parallel Sessions; transforming his studio into a space for education, research, and dialogue. This initiative reflects his dedication to using art as a tool for cultural exchange, particularly through collaborations with communities in Africa. O.O.’s practice is driven by the belief that art transcends aesthetics, serving as a platform for understanding, sparking dialogue, and enriching cultural narratives.
