Adegboyega Adesina: A New Way of Portraiture
“Boy on Beanie” Mixed Media on paper
“Portrait of Let” Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
“Alive Again” Mixed Media on canvas
“Painting of Rashad” Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
Nigerian born artist Adegboyega Adesina combines his love for realism with imaginative elements in his visually compelling portraits. Bringing to life ideas that are grounded in both experimentation and creative exploration, Adegboyega continues to stretch himself artistically in order to inspire future generations of artists.
Tell me about your background and where your creative journey began.
I was born and bred in Lagos, Nigeria. I started art at a very young age by making imaginative drawings of whatever I learned or must have learned visually or theoretically from school. This included story books, tv shows etc. I used art as a tool to hasten my understanding about everything.
How has your work shifted and evolved over time?
I like to experiment with new ideas, mediums and illustrations in order to make my paintings easily identifiable wherever it’s on display. I started off making cartoon illustrations which later graduated to realistic human figures. My current illustrations create an avenue for my reality and imagination to co-exist.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
In the studio I spend a lot of time experimenting with newer ideas and mediums. I like to challenge my creative process.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
I wouldn’t tag a particular experience to my work, but my day to day encounters with people, happenings in my environment and the world as a whole. Things I read and see influence my thoughts and has a resultant effect on my executions.
How has Instagram impacted your art career?
Instagram has given me the platform to project my work within the reach of art collectors, advisors, galleries, etc which has really influenced my career greatly.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
I want to be a good point of reference for the younger generations, to let them know that creativity knows no bound.
All work featured in this interview is courtesy of Adegboyega Adesina and Destinee Ross-Sutton.