Joseph Ijoyemi

Sea Between Us is a sculptural installation that reflects on migration, identity and community. It takes the form of a large ‘origami’ boat, carefully built from bamboo sticks, Ankara fabric and collected fabrics from local communities, which carry strong cultural meanings and are used here to highlight the personal and collective stories of movement, belonging and resilience.

The site-specific sculpture is as a symbol of strength and survival, but also joy and celebration—honouring the rich mix of cultures and histories that make up our local community today, accompanied by an audio piece inspired by both the artist’s personal history and the journeys many people have made across waters to build new lives in places like Deptford.

“At its heart, Sea Between Us is about connection. It aims to open up conversations around shared experiences of migration, cultural exchange, and community building. By placing familiar materials in an unfamiliar form, the work invites curiosity and reflection. It is a quiet but powerful gesture of belonging and togetherness, offered as a gift to the people of Deptford” Joseph Ijoyemi

Opening Hours

Tue – Fri : 12pm – 6pm

Sat & Sun : 10am – 6pm

Preview

Sat 12th July 7pm – 9pm

Thank you to our venue partner RER London. 

Access information: Blue badge parking is available on-site and can be accessed via the Deptford Church Street entrance. Accessible toilet on-site, with nearest public toilets located 500 metres away at Deptford Lounge. The gallery space has flat access but some outside space is uneven. 

Please note that visitors will be required to sign in at the main entrance. The main entrance (red gate) is on Deptford Church St, 120 metres from Deptford Bridge DLR. There will be volunteers and signage present on-site to guide you from the entrance to Brickwork Space.

Joseph Ijoyemi is a commissioned Deptford X 2025 Artist.

Joseph Ijoyemi is a Swedish-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist based in London, whose work delves into themes of cultural heritage, migration, identity, and social experience. A 2023 graduate of MA Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, Joseph has received notable recognition, including the Helen Scott Lidgett Award, the QEST Emerging Maker Award, and the Arts Council England’s Develop Your Creative Practice grant. His work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions like New Contemporaries 2023, and he was shortlisted for the Evening Standard Art Prize.

Joseph’s practice integrates archives as a foundation to reimagine stories from fresh perspectives, with a focus on reclaiming African history and challenging colonial legacies. His installation Sovereign Strength and Ancestral Thrones at the Royal Museums Greenwich is a key example of this approach.

Beyond gallery settings, Joseph’s work includes community-based projects, such as the Believe and Achieve mural for Peabody in Thamesmead, fostering local pride and empowerment. His collaborations with artists, researchers, and brands, including his work with Offspring and Jordan for the launch of the Air Jordan 1 High, highlight his interdisciplinary approach to art.

As a co-founder of The Collective Makers, Joseph supports young creatives, helping them find their voice. As a mentor and associate lecturer, Joseph supports emerging artists, offering guidance on developing their practice. His ongoing projects continue to explore identity, cultural memory, and social justice, blending contemporary art with traditional techniques to engage and challenge audiences globally.

Recent group exhibitions include the early Career Programme ‘Groundwork’ supported by ACME at Kupfer (2024) and Winter Sculpture Park, No. 32. (2025)

Image: Joseph Ijoyemi, Revival Boats, original Alumbro metal plates from the Cutty Sark Boat (1963) folded into origami, 2023