James Adebayo
Visual Artist
Nigeria
James Adebayo (BIOGRAPHY)
James Adebayo (b. 1996) is a self-taught Nigerian artist whose unconventional path of experimentation and self-driven learning has shaped his distinctive artistic voice. From a young age, James showed a natural talent for drawing and painting, refining his technique over time. His professional career began at local art fairs and community events, eventually leading to commissions from private collectors and corporate clients.
His unique visual language, marked by his signature distorted forms, is deeply influenced by his personal experience with double vision. Featuring vibrant butterfly patterns which symbolizes life’s constant shifts, Adebayo’s works explore themes of perception, identity, and social transformation.
Working primarily with acrylic and oil, James begins with sketches to explore ideas, layering paint to create depth and texture. His careful manipulation of form and color produces a sense of movement, embodying transformation within static images.
His works have been featured in several exhibitions including: ‘At Once, Then Again’, Rele Gallery, Lagos, (2023), ‘My Brother’s Keeper’, Artbridge Project, Lagos, (2022), ‘Intersections’, Affinity Art Gallery, Lagos, (2021), A tale of shared experiences, Artpedia Gallery, Lagos, (2021).
He has also been selected for the Esblank Residency, Palma De Mallorca, Spain, (2024), and the Rele Young Contemporaries Residency, Ekiti, Nigeria, (2021)
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
The Burden Unseen
This series explores the inseparable bond between men and women, emphasizing that while our challenges differ, our victories and struggles are interconnected. Through these four works of art, I aim to highlight how understanding and compassion can unite people with diverse experiences.
The works encourage viewers to look beyond appearances, recognizing the shared humanity in each journey. By giving equal attention to the hardships of both genders, the series fosters empathy, respect, and solidarity, urging us to move beyond divisions toward a more inclusive understanding of human experience.
