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If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I am always showcasing black artist I love or find interesting in my stories. One such artist that I stumbled upon who’s work touched me in a profound way is by the young Nigerian visual artist Ayanfe Olarinde.
While in the IG wormhole Olarinde’ s scribbles, line work and colors felt so fresh and new to my jaded eyes. I love that about art, you can’t explain it, but you certainly know when it speaks to you. Upon further investigation I became even more intrigued by the artist herself.
I was excited to see what seemed to me this young woman with a devil may care attitude to be behind the work I was seeing. She appeared to me what a modern woman looks like.
“To all the girls with their heads in the clouds” . courtesy @ayanfee_
About the Artist
Nigerian born and self-proclaimed “jagajaga” (scribble) artist, Olarinde was born in 1996. She says that what art means is her own truth and her own freedom. In other words, art through self-exploration gives her the freedom to express herself and gives her peace.
“Across Ayanfe’s work, there is an implicit thematic projecting her interests in self-image, identity formation, gender construct, mental health, society’s and government’s impact in her telling of untold stories.”
This year she has exhibited her work in New York, Los Angeles and last year in London among other cities.
It’s the mixed media work for me. When the two worlds of her scribble technique and painting collide, it is something to behold. The use of bold color and perspective are wonderful. Olarinde brilliantly awakens her subjects to life through her well balanced yet chaotic squiggled lines; commenting on the times we live in.
Head in the clouds
One of my favorite pieces is a mixed media portrait titled “To all the girls with their heads in the clouds” which reminds me of my earlier years coming into my womanhood. The work is a self portrait where she depicts herself sitting in a field of crimson dirt characteristically Nigerian. The portrait is also very modern and stylish with her signature locked hair, hyper-imperturbable shades, and green Nike dunks. Her lady like posture with arms juxtaposed by her cheekily sticking her tongue out at the viewer, to me, represents a kind of “fuck you” to the establishment and the ideas of how a woman is supposed to behave. This is the kind of struggle I too dealt with growing up as a young woman and one many will continue to. She tells us to take our heads out of those damn clouds and be your true self.
It is so important for young black female artists like Ayanfe Olarinde to be seen and spoken about. I have not seen many like her. She is unquestionably a unique and necessary talent.
Tell us what you think of Ayanfe Olarinde’s artwork. Or tell us about an artist you love. Share in the comments!
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