Leonard "Soldier" Iheagwam
Leonard Iheagwam (b. Lagos, Nigeria), known professionally as Soldier, is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, performance, design, and sculpture. Drawing from his deep connections to fashion, skate culture, and identity politics, his work explores family dynamics, the impact of war, and the power of intention.
Soldier’s artistic journey began in Lagos before he relocated to London, where he developed a distinct visual language characterized by bold colour palettes and deliberate repetition. His work delves into existential inquiry, challenging established paradigms and inviting viewers into a space of layered revelation and introspection.
His portraiture serves as a powerful vehicle for societal critique, capturing the nuances of his subjects while reflecting broader socio-cultural themes.
In 2024, Soldier presented his debut solo exhibition, When The Saints Go Marching, at Incubator, exploring the legacy of the Nigerian Civil War through personal and collective memory. This was followed by Black Star at Kearsey & Gold in 2025, a body of work imagining speculative futures through the lens of African identity and technological transformation.