Adébayo Bolaji, is a multi-disciplinary artist living and working in London, England. At the centre of his practice is the dialogue of change and the focus of the individual within a connecting society :
“Avoiding ourselves, being able to confront who we are can be hard. So, it can therefore be easier to throw oneself into a cause – and I think this would also easier to also talk about as an artist. On the face of it, this is admirable but makes for an interesting exploration when it is done at the expense of truly avoiding who one truly is…and so my work is about us, it is about facing who we are” [Bolaji].
The use of the vibrant and metaphorical language, is a crucial element in his work, helping to narrate a different story within each painting, film or sculpture… allowing for the viewer to take an active role in the works.
Bolaji has exhibited internationally in London, Zurich, Berlin and New York, along with artist residencies in New York and Margate, including an Artist Residency with Yinka Shonibare MBE Guest Projects where Bolaji created a 7 metre painting pointing to the tragedy of the young girls in Nigeria kidnapped by Boko Haram.
Recently, Bolaji had a two-person exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery and his work has been featured in prominent publications along with speaking engagements at renowned institutions such as Mall Galleries London and Penn State University [to name a few]. He is a published poet, a theatre director [Park Theatre London] and founder of Ex Nihilo Theatre Group, having a degree with the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and a Law degree from London Guildhall.
As an actor for the stage, Bolaji has performed at London’s Shakespeare’s Globe, The Young Vic and Piccadilly Theatre-London’s West-End, along with BBC, Channel Four and Feature Film credits.
In 2021 Bolaji was commissioned to create a 3m x 3m permanent public sculpture for the new Central Plaza Park in Acton Gardens, London, that saw its unveiling in October 2023. He is represented by Beers, London.
