Brushes, Oil and Colour with Taiwo Ayodeji

Tell us About Taiwo Ayodeji

My name is Taiwo Ayodeji, I'm from Ekiti but I live in Lagos. There are different versions of Taiwo Ayodeji; a painter and a filmmaker, and I've been in both industries for like five years now. I pride myself in calling myself coolheaded. I do oil painting, and sometimes, acrylic painting.

Walk me Through Your Creative Process

I always take my time before doing anything. Before painting, I always ask questions, mainly to myself and to others, then I apply the answers to my sketches, before adding the colours.

I love the idea of toying with colours, there's always a lot of colours on my palette, my canvas is a beautiful multi-coloured abstraction.

My art has to make sense to me before anybody else. There's also a bit of thinking in my process. The kind I do to figure out what kind of art I want to create.

What is Your Opinion on the Creative industry?

The creative industry is a dynamic space that bridges innovation, culture and commerce. It is an ecosystem that thrives on storytelling, artistic expression and technological advancements.

For me, this industry provides a platform to craft narratives that inspire, challenge societal norms and connect with diverse audiences.

Different people have different needs and the creative industry is wide enough to accommodate that. It is a transformative force capable of shaping perceptions, preserving culture and driving economic growth, especially in Nigeria, where art and filmmaking are gaining global recognition. Like really getting mad recognition.

Connections? Or You Are an Island?

Collaboration is at the heart of artistic and cinematic creation. It is an opportunity to merge diverse perspectives and talents, producing outcomes that are richer and more impactful than individual efforts. So yes, I am open to collaborations.

I value teamwork across various fields. Working with directors, designers and other creatives has enhanced my ability to execute large-scale projects. And like I stated earlier, I like to ask questions and see through other people's lived or imagined experiences. I am particularly looking forward to collaborations that:

●      Allow me to combine my painting, sculpture and set design.

●      Involve innovative filmmaking techniques or experimental art installations in which I'm in a process of making a film that embodies my artistic style and vision.

●      Partner with like minded creatives who are passionate about making meaningful cultural contributions.

What is Your Overarching Goal for Your Work?

My ultimate goal is to create visual narratives that provoke thoughts, evoke emotions and contribute significantly to the cultural and artistic discourse.

I aim to push boundaries in both traditional and contemporary mediums, using art and film as tools to tell stories that resonate deeply and leave lasting impacts.

You know, there's just this thing about mixing art and culture, especially when your art tells stories about other people and other cultures. It resonates deeply with those who are familiar with that particular culture.

Beyond personal achievements, I hope to inspire the next generation of artists and filmmakers, fostering a community that values creativity and innovation. Trust me, there are a great number of talented people that just need to see someone they look up to, doing it so they can be sure it's something they are willing to submit their lives to.

Share Your Top Three Projects

The first evokes deep emotions within me. It is an art of completely different personas. Like someone who is conflicted. This art is trying to tell a story and here, I tried so hard to merge technical mastery with deep storytelling.

The second is part of a series I'm working on. This figure clearly doesn't have a face. Yet, she holds a cigarette and she has alcohol seated in front of her, which makes the non-artistic man wonder how she's taking them in.

She is poised and depicts class, yet there is a struggle. A struggle that only she knows of.

The third is of a man seated, his arms rested. He looks like he is posing for a snap, but no one actually knows what is going on in his mind. This composition represents my passion for crafting visual narratives, a core aspect of my work in filmmaking and visual arts. Each piece tells a story.

Do These Pieces Have Cultural Influences?

My career focuses on contributing meaningfully to culture. I travelled recently to Ekiti State, and they still uphold some of the traditions that we've pushed away here.

My artworks carry cultural undertones, making them personal and significant in my artistic journey. One of them has the Oriolokun and the Benin Mask if you look closely. Again, Art is subjective.

Have These Artworks in Any Way Contributed to Your Professional Growth?

These pieces might have been created during pivotal moments in my career, such as my time as a studio artist or during my collaborations with film projects, showcasing my versatility and growth as both an artist and  filmmaker.

Do You Have a New Project You're Currently Working on or Future Projects?

Earlier I made mention of the faceless series, but this is still in the incubation process.

This series explores the theme of identity and self perception. It is inspired by the notion that our external appearances often mask the complexities of our inner worlds. The subject being faceless symbolizes the universal struggle of being seen for who we truly are rather than how society defines us.

This project is inspired by my journey as an artist and a storyteller. Through my work, I aim to challenge conventional narratives and create spaces where people can reflect on their own identities and stories. Painting faceless subjects allows me to communicate that identity is fluid, multifaceted, and at times, undefined.

Describe Who You Are in Detail as a Human Being and as a Creator

As a human being, I am deeply introspective, empathetic and commuted to personal and collective growth. I value connections, whether through relationships, shared experiences or the stories that bind us as human beings. I think most of my relationships were built on shared connections and ideas.

I am a believer in the transformative power of creativity and its ability to heal and bring people together.

As a Creator, I am a visionary who blends technical expertise with artistic passion. My work reflects a drive to push boundaries, whether painting, sculpture or film. I aim to provoke thought, evoke emotions like I've been stating, and create lasting impressions that resonate with diverse audiences.

My journey as artist and filmmaker is fueled by a commitment to innovation, storytelling and cultural relevance. I am still in a crude process and ready to work and grow.