Alogi John

Nigeria

Alogi John Figurative Contemporary Paintings

Expressive Painting Blending Memory and Humour

Portrait and Figurative Fine Art by Alogi John

"I represents in my works, my memories, inner emotions, my history and my experiences. My works generally emphasise humour. "

MEET

Alogi John

Adeyemi John Damilare, widely known as Alogi John, is a contemporary Nigerian painter whose work blends personal narrative with expressive figuration and a distinctive touch of humour. Born in the vibrant city of Lagos, his artistic journey began in childhood, driven by an early passion that would shape his creative path.

After completing his primary education, Alogi John joined Talents Art Kingdom as an apprentice under the mentorship of Oyebola Olayinka Jacob (OJ), where he began to refine his skills and artistic vision. This formative experience laid the foundation for his development as a visual storyteller.

To formalise his training, he pursued a degree in Painting at Yaba College of Technology, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious art institutions. There, he deepened his understanding of technique, theory, and the expressive potential of visual art.

A subsequent internship at Olokun Studio, guided by established artist Saheed Adelakun, offered Alogi John invaluable mentorship and exposure to a professional artistic environment. These cumulative experiences shaped his distinctive style — rooted in memory, emotion, and the nuanced observations of daily life.

His paintings reflect intimate reflections on childhood, family, environment, and identity. He incorporates humour as a conceptual tool, creating visually engaging works that are both contemplative and playful.

Alogi John has participated in several group exhibitions, including the Life in My City Art Festival (2018) and was named a finalist in a major Lagos-based art competition in 2019. His work is now held in multiple private art collections, marking him as a rising voice in contemporary African painting.

FROM OUR BLOGUE
Rethinking a Colonial Legacy: Dr El Hadji Malick Ndiaye’s Mission to Decolonise Dakar’s Museum

At the heart of Dakar, a quiet but radical transformation is underway. Dr El Hadji Malick Ndiaye, curator of the Théodore Monod Museum of African Art, is leading a profound effort to decolonise an institution built for colonisers. Through critical reinterpretation, artistic collaboration, and cultural activism, he is reframing the museum not as a place of frozen pasts, but as a living, breathing space of African knowledge, pride, and imagination.

Continue Reading
Forbes África Lusófona Highlights Afrikanizm’s Model for Building the African Art Economy

In an op-ed for Forbes África Lusófona, João Boavida, founder of Afrikanizm Art, lays out a bold new vision for African art. He argues that the future lies not in charity, but in structure, visibility, and fair opportunity. Through a model grounded in equity, mentorship, and sustainable growth, Afrikanizm Art is helping transform African artists from overlooked talents into central players in the global market.

Continue Reading
Getty Foundation Invests $2.6M in Unearthing Black Art History

The Getty Foundation has awarded $2.6 million to expand its Black Visual Arts Archives initiative, empowering 12 U.S. institutions—libraries, museums, and universities—to catalogue, digitise, and bring Black art histories into public view. This multi-year commitment spotlights previously overlooked collections, transforming archives into dynamic cultural touchpoints and promoting long-overdue visibility for Black artists and institutions.

Continue Reading
“Dear Black People… A Love Letter”: Diasporic Time-travel in Atlanta

Now open at ZuCot Gallery, Dear Black People… A Love Letter is a bold and poetic journey through the Black American experience. With over 95% of works by artists of African descent, the show reframes visual storytelling as time travel — blending memory, identity and joy.
From glowing watermelons to shimmering histories, this exhibition pulses with creativity, community and cultural pride.

Continue Reading

Commision An Artwork
By This Artist

We can arrange and oversee the creation of a new work made specifically for you