Ayodeji Awoyomi
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Ayodeji Awoyomi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Ayodeji Oluwaseun Awoyomi June 1, 1990 Usi Ekiti, Ekiti State |
| Nationality | Nigeria |
| Alma mater | Ekiti state University |
| Known for | Fine-art Photography |
| Notable work | Spirit of David |
| Style | Photography |
| Awards | Photographer of the year |
| Website | www.ovision.uk |
| Signature | |
 | |
Ayodeji Oluwaseun Awoyomi (born 1 June 1990) is a Nigerian fine art photographer based in the United Kingdom. He became the first Nigerian to win the British Institute of Professional Photography's International Photographer of the Year award in 2024.[1][2] His work has been featured in several international exhibitions and explores themes of identity, childhood, and cultural memory.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Awoyomi was born in Usi-Ekiti, in the former Ondo State of Nigeria (now Ekiti State), to Prince Bamidele Awoyomi, a civil servant, and Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Awoyomi, a businesswoman. He is the eldest of six children. He attended Area 1 Primary School in Garki, Abuja, and Government College Usi for secondary school. He later studied geology at Ekiti State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 2016.[4]
While at university, he was active in fashion modeling and participated in runway events such as GTBank Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week. Awoyomi developed an interest in photography at a young age and received his first camera during childhood.
In an interview with The Photographer, a UK-based magazine, he stated that photography was a natural medium for him, describing his artistic drive as "embedded in [his] DNA" and citing a lifelong connection to the visual arts.
Career
[edit]Awoyomi's work spans fine art and documentary photography, focusing on themes of identity, memory, and social narratives. His distinctive style blends creative expression with cultural storytelling, often highlighting African heritage and everyday life. He has exhibited in notable venues including the Lagos Photo Festival, Didi Museum (Lagos), and Madhouse Gallery at the University of Lagos.[5][6]
Following his relocation to the United Kingdom, he co-founded Creative Meetup UK, an initiative with Abubakar Suleiman that connects Nigerian creatives across the UK.[7][8]
In 2017, he served as the official photographer for the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Kolapo Olusola, contributing to his 2018 gubernatorial campaign imagery. In 2021, one of his documentary photographs—depicting children collecting water from a pond—was used in a UNESCO campaign promoting clean water initiatives in Africa.
In 2022, the same photograph was featured in a World Economic Forum article covering the devastating floods in Nigeria, emphasizing environmental challenges linked to climate change.[9]
In 2024, Awoyomi became the first Nigerian to win the British Institute of Professional Photography's International Photographer of the Year award, earning international recognition for his work.[10]
In 2025, he was selected as one of the ten artists featured in the Birmingham Open 25 exhibition, a major showcase of contemporary artists in the city.[11]
Also in 2025, Awoyomi participated as a special guest contributor in "MENTALLY," a virtual workshop organized by the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, focusing on mental health in the visual arts sector. The event aimed to foster open dialogue and support creatives dealing with mental health challenges.[12]
Notable photographs
[edit]- In June 2021 Ayodeji photographed childen fetching water in the pound for a UNESCO clean water campaign.
- In 2017, he photographed the deputy Governor of Ekiti Kolapo Olusola for his 2018 governorship campaign.
Exhibitions
[edit]Solo exhibitions
[edit]- 2024 Testure, Lagos.
Group exhibitions
[edit]- Playful Perspectives, Madhouse Gallery, Lagos, 2024[13]
- Print Masters, Birmingham, United Kingdom, 2023
- Waves: London Open Art, The Holy Art, London, 2024
- 171st Annual Open Entry, Royal West of England Academy, 2024
- PhotoNorth Festival, Leeds, 2024
- PhotoNorth Festival, Sheffield, 2023
- Urban Photo Arena, 2023
- Culture, Athens Photo Festival, Athens, 2023
- Water for Peace, World Water Day Photo Exhibition, Paris, 2023
- Celebrating Women, Tayese Academy of Arts and Culture, Bromley, London, 2025[14]
Commissions
[edit]- Portrait of Britain, London
- The Tale of Childhood, Abuja
- Texture, RSBC, Birmingham
- Spirit of David, BIPP Awards, Preston
Collections
[edit]Awoyomi's work is included in the private collections of:
- Kolapo Olusola, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State
- Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria
- Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State
Award, Grant and scholarship
[edit]- Print Master of the Year, 2023
- Photographer of the Year, British Institute of Professional Photography, 2024
- Ultimate Prints Masters, New York, 2024
- Society of Photographers, London, 2023 & 2024
- Image 24, South Birmingham Photography Society, 2024
References
[edit]- ^ "Nigerian fine art photographer makes history, wins British Award". The Guardian Nigeria. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Ayodeji Awoyomi: Nigerian Photographer Wins International Award". Trickle Media. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Ayodeji Awoyomi's Spirit of David". Contemporary African Art. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Ayodeji Awoyomi: Nigerian Photographer Wins International Award". Trickle Media. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Awoyomi, others shine @ group exhibition of photography". Vanguard Nigeria. 2024-09-21. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ "Four photographers hold exhibition at UNILAG". The Nation Nigeria. 2024-09-20. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ "Nigerian photographer wins British Award". The Sun Nigeria. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "The Creative Meet Up". Eventbrite. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Nigeria is experiencing its worst floods in a decade. What's causing them?". World Economic Forum. 2022-10-25. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ "Nigerian photographer wins British Award". Nigeria Tribune. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Birmingham Open 25 Artists Announced". Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ "Thought Pyramid launches virtual workshop on mental health in visual arts". The Guardian Nigeria. 2025-05-07. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ "Awoyomi, others shine @ group exhibition of photography". Vanguard Nigeria. 23 September 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ "Tayese Academy of Arts and Culture announces debut group art exhibition, 'Celebrating Women'". Tribune Online. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.