Olawunmi Banjo (b. 1985) is a Nigerian visual artist who studied Entrepreneurship at the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos. 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.

She has taken part in solo and group shows in her native Nigeria, and has showcased her work in numerous international exhibitions and art fairs including; Art X Lagos, Federal Palace in Lagos, Nigeria 2022, Sense of Self by SMO Contemporary Art at The Wheatbaker Boutique Hotel, Nigeria 2021-2022, The Invisible Hands at Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, Nigeria 2021 – 2022, Re-Art Meets Africa , Ihlienworth, Germany 2018, Same Experience, Different Local at The Koppel Project Hive in London, UK 2018, 23^rd & 24^th  Pan African Film & Art Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles, USA  2015 & 2016, Press for Progress – Art Connects Women, International Women Arts Exhibition in Dubai, UAE 2018, Mind Revolution II at Praxis am Traveplat, Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany 2015 – 2016, The 10th Afrika Tage at the Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf, Germany 2015 and Mind Revolution at Nike Art Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria 2014. She was a nominee and finalist at the Global Art Awards (Painting category), Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE 2017.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

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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.