My main goal with my artwork is to inspire awe, curiosity, and a deep reverence for oneself and our boundless potential. My work is for those who seek to explore the wonders of life, nurturing the hearts of those who embrace joy, curiosity, love, and peace.
Portraiture has always drawn me in. It memorializes us, elevates the subject, acts as a bearer of something greater, and reveals the possibilities of who or what we can become. A portrait reflects how an artist views a subject. Historically, marginalized identities have often been misrepresented or underrepresented. I approach my subjects differently: I see everyone as intricately created, with the ability to do and be anything.
Growing up, my favorite artists were Kadir Nelson, Kerry James Marshall, and Ernie Barnes. I was captivated by how depictions of people like me could imagine a dancer, basketball player, singer, doctor, actor, or artist. Seeing myself reflected in art made me realize I, too, could be an artist. As I grew older and developed a love for metaphysics, comics, multiverse, and fantastical stories, I discovered a deep resonance with imagining different versions of who we can be. Today, I also draw inspiration from the Romanticism era and the Harlem Renaissance, finding ways to blend their expressive, emotive, and transformative qualities into my work. My art is not only about creating pretty portraits but about building worlds that explore the limitless possibilities of our identities.
With a Black-American mother and a Yoruba father, I have been immersed in the complexities of womanhood across the diaspora. My bold, chromatic choices in skin tones reflect my approach to life: vibrant, joyful, and unique, yet harmonious when brought together. These colors mirror the intricate and beautiful layers of humanity. My work reflects both the creator and the viewer. My botanical pieces symbolize people, life’s seasons—including death and rebirth—and references to Christ. Each flower represents a person, and the question of which flower who are, invites reflection on significance and individuality.
Each brushstroke carries the layers of my identity: as a walking portrait, a woman of color, Nigerian, American, caregiver, artist, and academic. The complexities of who I am drive me to inspire compassion and curiosity in those who engage with my work.
Thank you!