From the Circular Heros Series - Produced by Rafeal Rafael Kouto, Peter D. Abayomi and Ruby Okoro
PhotoVogue Fest 2025
By Kudzai Thandiwe Netechi
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Earlier this March, OSENGWA joined a powerful global gathering of artists, curators, and image-makers at the 9th edition of the PhotoVogue Festival in Milan. Held at BASE Milano and curated under the theme “The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature,” this year’s festival invited deep reflection on the interdependence of humans and the natural world. Out of more than 5,000 applicants, 45 artists were selected to exhibit work that responds to urgent questions about sustainability, nature, and our place within the planetary ecosystem. Among the selected artists was OSENGWA’s own Ruby Okoro, who presented a series of photographic and dialogic works that offered a poignant visual meditation on self, environment, and identity.
Ruby Okoro
The festival was not only an opportunity for exhibition, but a dynamic space for exchange—featuring artist talks, panel discussions, and critical conversations on the evolving role of photography in shaping collective consciousness. Throughout the four-day festival, held at Base Milano from March 6th to 9th, 2025, PhotoVogue provided a dynamic platform for debate and exchange. Artists presented their works while engaging with meaningful themes, tackling topics such as: the intersection of climate change and social disparities, the rich visual panorama of Latin America, diaspora narratives and representation in photography, and the role of art in communicating complex, layered meanings. Highlights included a Lectio Magistralis by Richard Mosse, presented by Prix Pictet, which spotlighted environmental issues through visual storytelling, alongside discussions on fostering new relationships with ecosystems and promoting sustainable fashion.
Reflecting on her experience at PhotoVogue’s Tree of Life festival, OSENGWA’s founder and artistic director, Seju Alero Mike, shares her thoughts on the impactful creativity she witnessed:
“For me, it was amazing to see the diversity of the creators—the depth and breadth of the work was truly stunning and beautiful. The intentionality behind the curation, paired with the range of voices represented, made the experience even more powerful. I also deeply enjoyed connecting with the artists, learning more about their work and creative process.
Seju Alero Mike - Founder and Artistic Director OSENGWA
What really stood out was the collection of artists they brought together—those guys were fantastic. Their work carries such deep meaning. It’s not just beauty for beauty’s sake; there’s real substance and storytelling behind it. I was also struck by the global representation, with artists from all over the world. It was such a gift to engage with them in that way.
I loved exploring the magazines on display—particularly diving into the work Atmos and others have been doing. It gave me a better understanding of their purpose and how they approach their craft. I would love to return and participate in a more active, intentional way, finding meaningful ways to contribute to future experiences.”
At the festival, OSENGWA artist Ruby Okoro actively engaged with PhotoVogue’s ethos by participating in group discussions alongside a community of forward-thinking, environmentally conscious artists. He shared insights on the art of recycling and elaborated on his featured project, Circular Heroes—a visually compelling series narrated by himself and created in collaboration with Rafael Kouto and Peter D. Abayomi.
Circular Heroes spotlights local Nigerian teenagers from the Isale Akoka area in Bariga as key players in the circular economy. Bariga, known for its floating homes and innovative recycling practices, is a community where residents transform waste into practical resources, significantly contributing to sustainability efforts. Speaking on the project, Ruby shares:
“It focuses on portraying local Nigerian teenagers from the Isale Akoka area in Bariga as key players in the circular economy. Bariga, known for its floating homes and innovative recycling practices, sees its residents transform waste materials into practical uses, contributing significantly to sustainability efforts.”
Ruby Okoro’s photography is visually striking—infused with surreal, hyperreal hues that feel both ethereal and conscious. His high-definition portraits capture models and subjects in ways that almost mimic alternate spiritual realities, while exploring the profound connection between humans, objects, and clothing. His work blurs the lines between form and surroundings, creating a layered visual narrative.
Reflecting on the PhotoVogue festival, Ruby shares: “With deep gratitude, it’s been an incredible experience to have been a part of PhotoVogue. Images truly speak a thousand words, and it was an honor to share and converse alongside fellow collaborators Rafael Kouto and Peter D. Abayomi with such a talented group of artists.”
Providing deeper insight into his creative philosophy, Ruby’s artist statement reads: “My artistic journey is a call to action—through my lens, I aim to spark dialogues that dissolve boundaries, promoting a collective sense of responsibility for our shared humanity. By harnessing this visual language of togetherness, I strive to contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world—one image at a time. I often express these themes through a surreal and transcendental lens, reflecting the larger-than-life vision with which I perceive Africa and my identity as an African.”
PhotoVogue created a space that acted as an inspirational meeting point—where diverse creative realities expressed innovation, beauty, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future.
At OSENGWA, we celebrate the marriage of aesthetics and ethics—championing art and fashion that fosters cultural relevance, positive change, and life-shifting impact. We are here to envision and experience creative expression with sustainability at its core, shaping perspectives for greater harmony.
We are excited for future opportunities to collaborate with PhotoVogue and contribute to a shared artistic vision, creating moments that bring beautiful, thought-provoking themes to life.