Olawunmi Banjo

Olawunmi Banjo (born 31 July 1985) is a Nigerian contemporary visual artist known for her work in hyperrealism and surrealism. She lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.

Early life and education

Banjo was born on 31 July 1985 in Ogun State, Nigeria. She is a self-taught artist who studied Entrepreneurship at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

She further developed her artistic practice at the Aina Onabolu Modern Art School in Lagos in 2005 before beginning professional work with acrylic and oil painting in 2006.

Career

Banjo began her career producing hyperrealistic drawings characterised by meticulous detail. Her practice later evolved towards surrealistic landscapes that explore social realities and human experiences through expressive wire figures.

Her work draws inspiration from nature, personal experiences and everyday social interactions.

She is a member of the African Artists Foundation and is represented by SMO Contemporary Art.

Exhibitions

Banjo has participated in solo and group exhibitions in Nigeria and internationally.

Selected exhibitions include:

2008 – First Art Expo Nigeria, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos 2008 – Annual All Female Art Exhibition, Wiva Perspective, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos 2008 – Annual Art Exhibition Serendipity, Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos 2008 – Nigeria 2008 Art Show and Art Competition, African Art Resource Center, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos (Second Prize) 2009 – Art of Golf, Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos 2009 – 2nd Annual Art Salon, Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos 2010 – Send Forth Exhibition for the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Nike Centre for Art and Culture, Lagos 2010 – 50 @ 50: Nigerian Women, the Journey So Far, Abuja 2014 – Mind Revolution (solo exhibition)