Kelani Abass explores the importance of material heritage and the archive as a bridge between past and present. The photographic image is the starting point of multi-layered works. Multifarious painting and sculptural techniques are dissected and analysed to propose a new understanding of a photograph as being both a creative medium and object of memory. In this way, Abass brings to light fragile, personal testimonies of a Nigeria celebrating independence. Recent exhibitions include [Re:] Entanglements, Contemporary Art and Colonial Archives, National Museum, Lagos (2019), among others. He presented his work at the 5th International Biennale Casablanca (2020). Residencies and workshops include Malt Air, Maltfabrikken, Ebetoft, Denmark, among others.