Damilola Olusegun Joy
“My art is an exploration of the natural world, a celebration of the beauty and wonder that can be found in the smallest details and the grandest vistas. Specifically, I am drawn to the intricate beauty of flowers, as a symbol of hope and inspiration. Think of it like a floral hug for your soul. When I paint or create art with flowers, it's like I'm capturing the beauty and resilience of nature in a way that speaks to our hearts. But my art isn't just about pretty petals; it's a conversation starter. I use flowers to get people thinking about what's happening in the world right now. It's like adding a splash of reality to the beauty of nature.”- Damilola Olusegun Joy
The Artist.
Born and raised in Sagamu, Ogun state, Nigeria, demonstrated an early affinity for the arts, initially cultivated and endorsed by her father during her adolescent years. However, it was not until several months following his untimely demise in late 2016 that she made a deliberate commitment to nurture her artistic talents as a means of paying homage to her late father’s memory.
In 2018, having accumulated a substantial body of work, Damilola found herself prepared to introduce her creations to a wider audience. She undertook the initiative of organizing her first art exhibition at her college, an academy of science. Employing her own financial resources and enlisting her family members as auxiliary support, she inaugurated this exhibition, which served as an inclusive platform for fellow creatives from her institution, including photographers and makeup artists, as well as artists from other educational establishments. The reception she received validated her artistic pursuits, culminating in her recognition as the Best Young Visual Artist of the year 2019 by The Everyday Chapter.
Damilola’s artistic journey is characterized by her autodidactic approach, predominantly relying on instructional resources available on YouTube to assimilate the techniques she admired in the works of established professionals. Her artistic preference gravitated towards the creation of portrait compositions. As her artistic insight evolved, she undertook a comprehensive exploration of diverse styles, drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of artists, with the likes of Ken Nwadiogbu, whose influence steered her towards a love for charcoal as a primary medium. Clio Newton also instrumental in shaping her distinctive approach to working on large-scale canvases.
Noteworthy is the fact that Damilola’s artistic representations, though devoid of her own physical presence, exude a profound emotional narrative discernible to any observer. Her body of work encapsulates not only her personal experience of bereavement following the loss of her father but also resonates with the universal themes of heartache, frustration, and the maturation process associated with young adulthood. Furthermore, she masterfully conveys messages of hope, joy, and love through her artistry.
Damilola Olusegun Joy
“In my work, I use charcoal and acrylic as my primary mediums, combining the delicate textures of charcoal with the bold colors of acrylic to create pieces that are both striking and subtle. I am fascinated by the way that these materials can be layered and blended to create a range of effects.
Imagine a canvas with vibrant flowers, but each bloom carries a message or theme related to current issues. It's a way to say, "Hey, we're surrounded by beauty, but there are important things we need to address too." Whether it's climate change, mental health, or social justice, my art gently nudges people to stop and reflect.
In a sense, my art acts as a bridge between the serene world of flowers and the sometimes chaotic world we live in. It's like saying, "Even in the midst of challenges, there's room for hope and growth." By blending the timeless appeal of flowers with the urgent concerns of today, I hope to inspire conversations, encourage action, and remind us all that beauty and change can coexist.
Overall, my art is an attempt to capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and to inspire others to appreciate and cherish the world around us. Whether I am painting a delicate flower or a majestic mountain range, I hope to convey a sense of wonder and awe that will resonate with viewers and connect them to the natural world. I am constantly seeking new ways to express my vision and share my passion with others.”
The Process.
The person in this picce is actively trying to untangle themselves pulling at the vines with all their might.
You can almost feel the struggle through their body language.
'Rooted Reverie' hints at a dreamlike state, it's like the person is caught in a dream of breaking free from their troubles, but the roots of these problems keep pulling them back to reality. This piece speaks to the challenges we face in life, a reminder that we have the strength to overcome our problems even when it feels like the odds are against us.
Introducing ‘Rooted Reverie’, an artwork that portrays the struggle between entrapment and the desire for freedom and growth. In the middle of a lonely forestry, there's a person seated on a tree stump, entangled in vines.
These vines are like life's troubles, wrapping around the person's legs and hands, making it tough for them to break free. The vines are not just a problem, they grow from an old tree stump, symbolizing challenges that have deep roots and seem rooted in the past.
Damilola Olusegun Joy
ROOTED REVERIE
52 x 65in
Charcoal and acrylic on canvas
2024
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