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By Kareem Islamiyat
In today’s rapidly evolving cultural landscape, the preservation of identity and the interpretation of human experience are no longer confined to tradition alone but are increasingly shaped by how knowledge is expressed, documented, and transmitted.
Across societies, visual art and cultural scholarship are redefining how communities understand themselves, navigate change, and engage with complex social realities.
Akinsoji Francis Oni, a visual artist and cultural scholar, has built a strong reputation in advancing the study of African visual culture, indigenous knowledge systems, and the intersection of art with social and intellectual traditions. His work focuses on transforming cultural narratives into structured, interpretable frameworks that make traditional knowledge accessible within contemporary academic and societal contexts.
With extensive experience in art history, visual culture, and Yoruba knowledge systems, Oni shares his insights on the role of art in interpreting knowledge, addressing societal realities, and shaping the future of cultural scholarship in this exclusive interview.
Akinsoji, cultural knowledge systems are gaining renewed global attention. From your perspective, how should we understand their relevance today?
Cultural knowledge systems are foundational to how societies understand existence, relationships, and meaning. Today, their relevance lies not only in preservation but in interpretation. We must move beyond viewing them as static traditions and begin to see them as structured systems of knowledge that can be studied, analyzed, and applied in contemporary contexts.
These systems contain encoded philosophies, ethical frameworks, and social principles that remain relevant today. The challenge is to translate them into formats that are accessible to modern audiences without losing their depth and authenticity.
Your work engages deeply with Yoruba knowledge systems. How do you approach translating such systems into contemporary frameworks?
My approach is both analytical and interpretive. Yoruba knowledge systems, for example, are highly structured, even though they are often perceived as symbolic or spiritual. When you examine them closely, you see patterns, codes, and systems of organization that can be compared to modern knowledge frameworks.
By studying these structures through visual culture and art history, I am able to present them in ways that align with contemporary academic discourse. This allows the knowledge to be understood not just culturally, but intellectually.
There is often a perception that traditional systems are disconnected from modern realities. How does your work address this?
That perception comes from a lack of interpretation rather than a lack of relevance. Traditional systems are not disconnected, they are simply not presented in ways that resonate with modern audiences.
Through art, I create visual narratives that bridge this gap. Art has the ability to translate complex ideas into forms that people can see, feel, and understand. When these systems are expressed visually, their relevance becomes clearer, especially in relation to identity, ethics, and human behavior.
Beyond cultural preservation, what broader value does your work bring to society?
The broader value lies in knowledge expansion and intellectual inclusion. When indigenous systems are properly studied and presented, they contribute to global knowledge systems rather than existing on the margins.
This has implications beyond culture—it affects education, research, and even interdisciplinary fields. For example, structured indigenous knowledge can inform discussions in philosophy, communication systems, and social organization.
Your research also touches on the structure and transmission of knowledge. How important is this in today’s world?
It is extremely important. Knowledge is not just about content; it is about how that content is organized and transmitted.
Many indigenous systems have efficient ways of encoding and passing down information across generations. Understanding these methods can offer insights into alternative ways of structuring knowledge, particularly in a world that is increasingly focused on information systems and communication.
What challenges do you see in integrating indigenous knowledge into mainstream academic discourse?
One major challenge is perception. Indigenous knowledge is often dismissed as informal or unscientific because it does not follow conventional academic formats.
Another challenge is documentation. Many of these systems are transmitted orally or symbolically, which makes them difficult to study using traditional academic methods.
Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches that combine art, history, and analytical frameworks to properly interpret and present the knowledge.
How can art contribute to addressing these challenges?
Art serves as a bridge. It allows complex systems to be visualized and interpreted in ways that are both accessible and intellectually engaging.
Through visual representation, abstract concepts become tangible. This makes it easier for diverse audiences, including those outside academia, to engage with the knowledge.
Art also preserves meaning. Even when translated into new formats, the essence of the knowledge can still be retained through symbolic and visual expression.
What lessons can societies learn from indigenous knowledge systems?
One key lesson is the importance of interconnected thinking. Many indigenous systems do not separate knowledge into isolated categories; instead, they view it as part of a unified whole.
Another lesson is sustainability, both cultural and intellectual. These systems are designed to endure, adapting over time while maintaining core principles.
Finally, there is the value of community-based knowledge. Knowledge is not owned by individuals alone but is shared, refined, and sustained collectively.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of cultural scholarship and visual art?
My vision is for cultural scholarship to become more inclusive and integrative. Indigenous knowledge systems should be recognized as legitimate intellectual frameworks that contribute to global discourse.
Visual art will play a central role in this transformation. It will continue to serve as a medium for interpretation, connection, and innovation.
Ultimately, the future lies in bridging tradition and modernity, creating systems where knowledge is both preserved and evolved, and where diverse perspectives are valued as part of a shared intellectual landscape.
