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.

FROM OUR BLOGUE

Photograph by Tiffany Sage/Bfa.com. © Bfa 2025. Courtesy Of The Artist And The Whitney Museum Of American Art.

Amy Sherald's 'American Sublime' Exhibition at the Whitney Museum

Amy Sherald’s American Sublime, on view at the Whitney Museum from April 9 to August 10, 2025, presents nearly 50 powerful portraits. Her work challenges traditional American realism by centring Black subjects in poetic, dignified compositions.

Pharrell Williams Curates 'FEMMES' in Paris – A Powerful Tribute to Black Women

Pharrell Williams presents FEMMES at Galerie Perrotin, Paris, from 20 March to 19 April 2025. Curated by the musician and creative visionary, the exhibition brings together nearly 40 international artists whose works honour the power, identity, and beauty of Black women.

Paris Noir: A Tribute to 50 Years of Black Artistic Brilliance in Paris

The Pompidou Centre in Paris hosts Paris Noir, an expansive exhibition showcasing the contributions of Black artists from the African diaspora who lived and worked in the city between 1950 and 2000. With over 350 works on display, the show honours a legacy of resilience, innovation, and cultural exchange.

March 2025: A Month in Black Art

March 2025 witnessed pivotal moments in Black art, from groundbreaking exhibitions like "Paris Noir" at the Pompidou Center to concerning policy changes affecting cultural institutions. The art world also mourned the loss of esteemed figures such as artist Fred Eversley and Ethiopian art historian Elizabeth Giorgis.

Experience the Vibrancy of African Art at Geelong's 54 Art Fair

Bantu Collective introduces the 54 Art Fair to Geelong, celebrating the artistic heritage of Africa's 54 nations. The exhibition, running from April 1 to 25 at genU Gallery, showcases a blend of traditional and modern art forms, including installations and multimedia works. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural workshops, live music, and interactive experiences that highlight the continent's rich diversity.

Paris Noir: Celebrating Black Artists in Postwar Paris at the Pompidou Centre

"Paris Noir" is a landmark exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, featuring over 350 works by 150 Black artists who lived and worked in the city from the 1950s to 2000. It shines a light on the creative influence and cultural legacy of African, Caribbean, and Afro-diasporic artists in postwar Paris.

Empowering African Art: +234Art Fair Returns for Its Second Edition

The +234Art Fair is back for its second edition, running from March 27th to 31st, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Center (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos. This year's theme, "Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art," aims to explore the transformative power of patronage in driving the growth and sustainability of Nigerian art. The fair will feature over 1,000 artworks from emerging and unrepresented Nigerian artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to local and international audiences.

5 Must-Attend Contemporary African Art Fairs and Events

Contemporary African art is taking the world by storm, and these five must-attend fairs and biennales are at the heart of its rise. From the global powerhouse 1-54 to the electrifying ART X Lagos, and the prestigious Dak’Art Biennale, these events showcase the best of African artistic talent. Whether you’re a collector, curator, or art enthusiast, these fairs offer an immersive experience into the dynamic world of African creativity. Dive into the highlights, past record-breaking sales, and groundbreaking exhibitions that make these events unmissable.

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