Ubuntu – I am because we are is a multi-stranded exhibition and workshop programme conceived by Jason Forrest, Sharon Bertram, and Ian Thompson.
The philosophy of ubuntu, originating from the Bantu and Xhosa traditions of southern Africa, and later popularised by Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, embodies the idea that our humanity is deeply interconnected. The phrase ‘I am because we are’ expresses values of community, collectivism, and shared responsibility, fostering an awareness of how our lives are shaped by those around us.
Join us for Zine-ing Shared Connections, led by Folasade Lawal, a British Nigerian illustrator, writer and educator and Camberwell College of Arts graduate. Participants are guided to create their own concertina zine using drawing, collage and writing. The session encourages self-reflection and open conversation, using the zine form as a tool for creative expression and building a sense of community.
BIOGRAPHY
Folasade Lawal is a British Nigerian illustrator, art educator and facilitator based in South East London. She graduated from BA (Hons) Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts in 2024. She currently works as an outreach ambassador for UAL Insights programme. As an assistant facilitator for The Line on their project, ‘Spaces to Explore: Prioritising Process in Creative Learning’. And as an assistant for arts & craft holiday camp Art Imaginarium.
Folasade creates emotive and conceptual work on a variety of subjects. Often exploring the spectrum of human emotions. She creates thought provoking illustrations using symbolic and minimalistic marks, lines, textures and colours. With her love for poetic writing informing her evocative concepts. She works with both digital and traditional processes. When making refined pieces she often works digitally, with her illustrations having an analogue quality to them.
