Olawunmi Banjo (b. 1985) is a Nigerian visual artist. Banjo began her artistic journey in hyper- realism with her characteristic attention to detail and has evolved her painting style to explore more surrealistic landscapes in an attempt to re-orient typical mind-sets. In her recent body of work, Banjo paints expressive wire figures, which explore deep ideologies by portraying everyday social and individual realities which confront us. By keenly observing nature, works of art, and life situations fueled by personal experiences and experiences of others, Banjo’s art is a response to hidden realities which confront us individually and collectively across the globe.
Banjo states:
Art resonates with humanity by making us slow down, pay attention and in the process brings the sometimes-overlooked reality closer to us. Art gives us a transcending understanding about life; it magnifies reality and gives clarity to what we see and how we see life.
Art enables us to see the world differently by speaking to the ultimate depth, it allows us to grasp the complexity in human experiences and reflects changing human perspective. Art gives voice to the voiceless,
inspires, energizes and shape minds and societies.
Art is the medium through which I create, add value and convey messages to people. I have found surrealism and realism useful in depicting my ideas. This enables people who view my works to grasp the message embedded in each piece. My major medium is oil on canvas. My most recent body of work are paintings of expressive wire figures, which is my way of describing a being and the countless energy that flows within each one of us.
