MEET
Samuel Akinrujomu
Samuel Abiodun Akinrujomu (b. 1995) is a contemporary Nigerian visual artist based in Lagos, celebrated for his emotive figurative paintings that explore Black identity, cultural memory, and the lived experiences of the African diaspora. His work reflects a deep engagement with realistic impressionism, combining vibrant color, expressive brushwork, and cultural symbolism to tell stories of everyday resilience.
A graduate of Yaba College of Technology (HND in Art and Design, Painting, 2019), Samuel draws early inspiration from nature and his Yoruba heritage. His compositions often incorporate adire batik patterns, bold textures, and dynamic postures, creating a powerful juxtaposition between subject and background that metaphorically explores how environments shape the human experience.
Working with acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel, and black paint markers, he elevates his figures beyond representation, using them as vessels for larger conversations around social justice, masculinity, mental health, feminism, and cultural pride. His paintings reflect both the struggles and vitality of Black life, radiating emotion and introspection while inviting viewers into an immersive narrative space.
Samuel’s art serves as a mirror and a map — reflecting internal landscapes while guiding audiences toward deeper understandings of identity, beauty, and belonging. His mission is clear: to create work that heals, questions, and connects across cultural and emotional borders.
As one of Nigeria’s emerging voices in contemporary art, Samuel Akinrujomu continues to push boundaries through storytelling and paint, illuminating the power of the Black experience with dignity and poetic force.
