Artist statement

I often approach the painting process without resolved feelings on the topics I address. A deeper understanding then arises when I spend time creating the piece and infuse emotions into the faces of the characters I paint. For instance, The Enlightenment began with vague feelings of religious conflict and confusion. However, through developing the positioning and expressions of the two figures, I reflected on the notions of piety and purity imposed on Nigerian women and how these ideas are perpetuated across generations. To convey the storytelling aspect central to my practice, I pay close attention to facial expressions and set out to capture the depth of emotions such as joy, sorrow, and longing embedded in nonverbal cues.

Textiles and patterns are equally significant in my work, representing a tangible connection to my heritage and an expression of cultural identity. Many of the motifs I incorporate are rooted in traditional Yoruba textile designs, symbolizing my unwavering ties to my roots, even amid persistent feelings of cultural disconnect. I integrate these fabrics with the oil paint on canvas, applying an acrylic medium beneath and above the textiles to ensure they adhere properly. In some pieces, the textile simply serves as a backdrop for the work, and other times like in The Enlightenment, they are representational and used to depict clothing.

Regarding paint application, I enjoy experimenting with different styles, depending on what the work calls for. For The Enlightenment, I made use of a thin, layered application, which was required to properly represent the play of light on skin. Other times, like in Mrs Fatile, the paint is thickly and loosely applied, resulting from the unrestrained approach taken. These stylistic choices allow me to convey a range of textures and moods, amplifying the emotional depth of the stories I aim to tell.

My practice is an act of storytelling, of spaces occupied, roles assumed, and sacrifices made by people whose experiences are shaped by identity, gender, and culture. I aim to create works that resonate as both deeply personal and universally human, inviting people to view the complexities of identity and the strengths forged as a result.