Ifeoluwa “Ife” Abhulimen is a visionary eco-artist and sustainable designer with over 20 years of creative practice. The Nigerian-born artist developed an early passion for making and design in a family of creatives. Though self-taught, her innate artistic skills led her through different creative fields, eventually finding her true calling in art.
Creative Beginnings
For more than a decade, Ife ran a women’s fashion brand known for its distinctive hand-beaded embroidery. During this time, she became acutely aware of the waste generated by the fashion industry. Textile offcuts from her collections sparked a pivotal question: what happens to all this discarded material? This moment marked the start of her transformation from fashion designer to environmental artist.
The Birth of Plamination
Ife’s first experiments involved repurposing textiles, later expanding into plastics while preparing craft workshops for children. This exploration led to the development of Plamination—her signature technique that fuses fabric scraps between layers of PET plastic, transforming waste into striking wearable art and decorative works. Plamination embodies her philosophy: that creativity can be a force for sustainability.
Environmental Studies and Influence
In 2022, Ife deepened her environmental understanding by studying Environmental Futures with Climate Change at the University of Essex. Her dissertation examined environmental justice and the exportation of fashion waste to Africa - issues that continue to inform her work and advocacy. This academic lens reinforces her mission to advance the circular economy through art, storytelling, and community engagement.
Artistic Practice & Philosophy
Today, Ife’s artistry spans functional art collections, and visual installations - each piece meticulously handcrafted from repurposed plastics, textiles, and found materials. “By transforming what is often dismissed as waste, I challenge perceptions of value and invite viewers to reimagine sustainability as beauty, resilience, and possibility. Each creation becomes a dialogue about responsibility and renewal, shedding light on the urgent need to rethink our habits and repair our connection to the planet.” Her work merges aesthetics with purpose, reminding us of our shared responsibility to the planet.
Vision & Impact
Through exhibitions, community projects, and educational workshops, Ife continues to inspire others to rethink consumption, creativity, and connection. Each creation becomes a dialogue about responsibility and renewal, shedding light on the urgent need to repair our relationship with the environment.
Comissions & Collections
Here creativity meets collaboration. From commissioned portraits to original collections, each artwork is crafted with purpose and passion. Visit the gallery to see past projects — and imagine what we can create together.