Roots in the Sky at HOME

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

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Roots in the Sky

HOME Manchester, Manchester
Until 25 January 2026

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Michael Pollard.
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HOME’s latest exhibition, Roots in the Sky is a curatorial project by British-Nigerian artist Tunji Adeniyi-Jones. 

The show takes its cues from the Adeniyi-Jones’ own vibrant practice, one that is conceptually rooted in the ancient history of West Africa and mythology, and visually draws on modernist styles like Cubism. 

Michael Pollard.

Roots in the Sky delves into themes that resonate with the layered identities of the Black diaspora. Through a compelling mix of painting, sculpture, and drawing, the show explores concepts of cultural pluralism, mythology, and lineage. It’s a journey that moves beyond simple narratives, embracing the nuance of collective memory and personal stories. The artists in the show were invited to consider travel, hybridity and the diasporic experience with a range of results that ultimately complement each other on display.

Michael Pollard.

Adeniyi-Jones provides more context for the exhibition: “Our artistic roots are rarely as individual as wider culture might lead us to believe. Each of our stories shares points of departure or arrival, and revolves around a constant interpretation of the past, present and speculative future.” Interconnectivity is therefore a key theme running through the works on display.

He has brought together new and recent works from ten contemporary artists spanning the United States, Europe, and West Africa, crafting a dialogue that is rich and expansive. The show is a fantastic chance for local audiences to connect with a global conversation: from Jade de Montserrat’s word-based works and Tschabalala Self’s figurative pieces in paint and thread, to Joy Labinjo’s luscious hues and Nengi Omuku’s thoroughly painterly works on sanyan cloth.

Michael Pollard.

The exhibiting artists are: Alvaro Barrington, Jade de Montserrat, Ivy Kalungi, Joy Labinjo, Sahara Longe, Nengi Omuku, Elena Njoabuzia Onwochei-Garcia, Tschabalala Self and Shaqúelle Whyte.

Together, these works weave a resonant tapestry that celebrates shared heritage, reimagines belonging, and situates contemporary Black art within an ever-evolving continuum.

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Where to go near Roots in the Sky at HOME

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Indian Tiffin Room is a restaurant specialising in Indian street food, with branches in Cheadle and Manchester. This is the information for the Manchester venue.

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This huge three-floor pub, formerly a Victorian warehouse, then an umbrella factory (hence the name), has one of the city centre’s largest beer gardens. The two-tier terrace overlooks the Rochdale canal and what used to be the back of the Hacienda, providing an unusual, historic view of the city.

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