Ajayi Oluwashogo

"My works are visual expressions of my experiences as an individual who has found himself in the environment he is in; environments that stretches into not just the present physical environment but psychological as well as spiritual environments."

MEET

Ajayi Oluwashogo

Ajayi Oluwashogo (b. 2001) in Lagos, Nigeria, is a multidisciplinary contemporary visual artist from Ekiti State. Currently residing in Lagos, he pursues his artistic practice while studying for his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Under the mentorship of Tosin Toromade, Ajayi has developed an artistic approach he defines as Expressive Afro-Realism. His work explores themes of culture, identity, gender, love, and daily life, portrayed through expressive portraits and figures. For Ajayi, art serves as a fulfilling dream, an escape, and a means to connect with society, find solace, and inspire others, particularly young people like himself.

Ajayi intricately incorporates mediums such as charcoal, pen, coffee, pencil, and acrylics to delve into the nuanced perspectives of everyday society. His use of unconventional mediums, such as coffee, allows him to explore the diversity in artistic expression and create metaphorical patterns in his works.

He has showcased his unique style in several exhibitions, including the Forbally Undergraduates Art Exhibition (2022), Shodex Garden Art Exhibition (2023), +234art Fair curated by Soto Gallery and Ecobank (2024), and The Artists Commune (2024). Beyond visual art, Ajayi has a profound passion for literature and music, adding depth and diversity to his creative pursuits.

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