Table of Thoughts – Abduljaleel Sodangi

Daring, not only himself, but society to delve beyond surface level and think deeper.

—

“When was the last time I let myself be carried by the current instead of swimming against it?”

“How do I hold space for others without losing the ground beneath me?”

“When I look in the mirror, what strengths gazes back at me?”

“What do I long for in others, and what do I hope they see in me?”

—

Architect, Artist, Product Designer. His demeanour, simply put, ZEN (In the words of Yonki Curator, Ilham).

After attempts working in real estate, he realized the Architectural industry had simply not grown to support what he’d be happy with yet. 

Albeit professionally an architect, Abduljaleel is taking up space in the art industry and he fits right in. A growing artist, he has said 2024 has shown promise especially with support from the government for the creative industry.

A conversation with Dolly of Retro Africa (in 2023) led him to deeply question the value the Art industry poses for the world and the sheer size of it. Bigger than that, he was thinking, how do we use art to guide our people towards our own form of renaissance?

A thought-provoking table born from conversations had, many around that same wooden rectangle. Abduljaleel started out documenting when the conversations became more existential. To not lose them but also, if they were ever stumbled upon. Around November, he decided it would be a good idea to put these thoughts back on the table were most of them materialised.

It really is a wonder how something inanimate allows you the space, freedom to unravel yourself amidst anyone – even strangers. The conversations seamlessly flow from one thought to another, never feeling forced and you can only go into new depth.

Over the course of the interview, we engaged in conversation with the TOT deck of cards, picking at random and freely interacting. How much can be said when we allow room for nonjudgement? A whole lot, we learned. That your perspective and others, even when clashing, may exist simultaneously.

The surge of interest in the Table of Thoughts at Urban November validated the table’s ability to offer moments of reflection and meaningful connection. This experience, confirming the impact of his work, led to an invitation to bring the table and its accompanying deck of cards to a company retreat at Almat Farms. 

There, during a team-building exercise, a young woman repeatedly drew the same card. Initially guarded, as if fearing judgment. However, by the end of the night, a visible sense of relief had washed over her. 

Experiences like these, from Urban November to Almat Farms to even practically saving a marriage! (run to the podcast right now!), show the artist’s power in facilitating healing and personal growth through his work. We can’t wait to see what next he has in store for us.

The mind-opening experience of this carved wooden table and a deck of cards, long after the artist, will be felt by those who encounter it. These are the types of things you don’t forget.

His work has been showcased at ArtxLagos. He was at the 5th edition of Urban November in Istanbul to display a 3-metre cultural tower model inspired by the Fulani women’s way of stacking their calabash. And of course, the official showing of the Table of thoughts at the Urban November’s 6th edition here in Abuja.