Abstract not available

Jewelry has been used as a gift exchange between lovers for many centuries. It has been conveyed in a variety of forms to symbolize the meaning of love. This body of work is associated with glory of love, of sexual experience between lovers representing the idea of unity when two parts become one unit, not only in the physical sense, but also in the psychical sense. The works were divided into three series including three pair of rings, two pair of lockets, and five pair of necklaces. The erotic expression has been addressed on every piece in an abstract way counting design motifs, material used, and interaction within the piece itself. Moreover, each piece has romantic meanings and essential aspects as a symbol of love.

Organic forms representing nature, but not particular species, are combined with elements signifying attitudes toward the natural world with an emphasis on North American culture. The viewer is encouraged to consider human effects on the environment. Aquarium Night Light and Trophy both refer to the human tendency for commercial exploitation coupled with the creation of nature images we sometimes seem to prefer over the reality of the natural world. Reliquary metaphorically connects traditional religious connotations associated with saints' relics to both a biblical injunction to use anything we needed from the natural world and our contemporary belief that exposure to nature can have beneficial effects on human mental, spiritual, and physical health.

The submarine and the spaceship fit in perfectly with the ideas of permanence and protection on which my work has been focusing. It is not coincidental that I have long been fascinated with the shapes and mechanisms of these vehicles. They are complex machines designed for a complex function; I find the precision of this to be appealing. I have used their shapes and mechanisms as design aspect in my thesis work. Also, in the studio, I have developed a type of Damascus steel bowl by modifying a technique once used for making gun barrels. I have made three small vessels inspired by spaceships and submarines using this modified technique.

The lack of ancestral record instilled in me this desire to hold on to memories, and to leave my children with permanent records or memories of our family. My desire to work with metals was inspired by the need to encapsulate a record of memories through a more permanent means. The durability of steel, I feel, can be used as a diary, in the form of an artistic and lasting object, rather than written words. The need to leave behind a legacy inspired me to explore the use of lockets and containers that have some resemblance to a reliquary. My intent was not one of religious purpose, but rather to create a locket or container that would reflect or contain symbols of where one's roots begin, the home.

Image of installation view of 2023 MFA exhibition by artist Atinuke Adeleke, entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts. The exhibition includes four sectors. The first is a bed with a floating headboard accompanied by projected imagery and sound. A performance takes place upon the bed. The second is a table with three accompanying wall-mounted pieces that connect to the table through symbolism. The third is a sculptural wooden diptych and the final sector is comprised of accessories.

Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts. The exhibition includes four sectors. The first is a bed with a floating headboard accompanied by projected imagery and sound. A performance takes place upon the bed. The second is a table with three accompanying wall-mounted pieces that connect to the table through symbolism. The third is a sculptural wooden diptych and the final sector is comprised of accessories.

Chapter 1 describes my previous jewelry work related to my interest in body parts and other materials as medium and lockets. The questions in the statement of problem deal with how the use of a specific body site, color and incorporation of body parts in my jewelry make my work more intimate to the wearer. Chapter 2 discusses the work I focused around the questions proposed in Chapter 1. Important points are: a more focused way of using specific body sites to support my ideas, the use of different skin colors in my work, and the physical effect of my jewelry to the wearer. Chapter 3 expresses my own criticism about the work and my future goals after this project.

Brief Artist Statement by Lara Asam as part of a 2021 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Thresholds” in the Cora Stafford Gallery on the campus of the University of North Texas on April 12-22, 2021.

Works of art in Acrylic print, by artist Atinuke Adeleke, as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023.Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art and selection of artist's personal video and audio memories from Nigeria and the United States, inflatable mattress, collapsible bed frame, khaki bed sheets, by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023.Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art in Wood (MDF), Metal (Pewter), Wood Dye, Recycled cotton yarn, and Backing cloth by artist Atinuke Adeleke, as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Maple Plywood, Aso Oke fabric, Furniture fabric by "Perennials Fabrics, Embroidery floss, and Wood PLA, Metal (Pewter) by artist Atinuke Adeleke as as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023.Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Maple wood, Copper wire, Copper Sheet, 3D printed wood PLA, Electroplated Copper, Tiger eye cabochon, and Wood dye by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Birch plywood, Wood print, 3d printed Wood PLA, electroplated copper, Wood stain, and Wood Dye by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

My artistic practice centers around personal history, connection, and identity. I reflect on my experience as a Nigerian who has lived on three continents thus far, and how those experiences have led to the deconstruction, reassembly, and hybridization of my identity. My work pays homage to my tribe of origin, Yoruba, whilst redefining and exploring the hybridity that exists as a result of cross-cultural influences that are prominent in our world today. I incorporate varying objects and materials such as jewelry, sculpture, wood, metal, and fiber. This integration speaks to the multicultural existence of the world I live in the interrelationship between Nigeria and the West.

Works of art on Birch plywood, Wood print, 3d printed Wood PLA, electroplated copper, Wood stain, Wood Dye, by artist Atinuke Adeleke by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Wood (Maple plywood), Wood Dye, Recycled cotton yarn, and tufting cloth by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art in Custom printed fabric, Wood (MDF), Clear Acrylic sheet, Acrylic Rods, Pewter, LED lights, by artist Atinuke Adeleke, as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

(Headboard) Works of art in Maple Plywood, Artist's own Aso Oke fabric, Furniture fabric by "Perennials Fabrics," Embroidery floss, Maple Plywood, Wood PLA, Metal (Pewter) Medium (Bed) – Projected Works of art, selection of artist's personal video and audio memories from Nigeria and the United States; inflatable mattress, collapsible bed frame, and Khaki bed sheets. these pieces were part of a 2023 MFA exhibition, entitled "Asepo" by Atinuke Adeleke, in the North Cora Stafford Gallery, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Birch plywood, Wood print, 3d printed Wood PLA, electroplated copper, Wood stain, Wood Dye, by artist Atinuke Adeleke by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.