Joseph Oluwasegun

Joseph Oluwasegun (b. 1993) displayed a keen interest in visual arts from a young age, often spending hours sketching and painting. His early inspirations came from the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria, particularly the traditional art forms of the Yoruba people.
In 2018, he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Painting from the Faculty of Art, Design, and Printing at Yaba College of Technology. During this time, Joseph was exposed to a wide range of artistic styles and movements, inspiring him to experiment with diverse medium and shapes.
His practice evolved with workshops, masterclasses, and a key shift toward digital tools, leading to his signature “SCARIFISM” technique—subtle textured scratches and contoured silhouettes inspired by ancient Ife sculptures and Nok art. His works reflect themes of identity, self-acceptance, and societal issues, blending surrealism with African aesthetics.
Oluwasegun’s works have been featured in several exhibitions including: ‘The Artist Commune’, One Art Gallery, Lagos (2024), ‘Aje You Dey Motivate Me’, RADR, Lagos (2023), ‘Idesign Art Affordable Fair’, Soto Gallery, Lagoa (2023), ‘Harlem Fine Art Show’, New York (2023), ‘Archival’ Genre Urban Art Gallery, Milwaukee (2023), Nosacreative Exhibition (2020).

ARTIST STATEMENT
This body of work from the series "To be or not to be" delves into the complexities of existence, exploring choices between change and stagnation, with each path carrying its consequences. The artist engages viewers by inviting reflection rather than mere observation.
This collection employs digital tools as a foundation, with ideas brought to life through "SCARIFISM"—a technique inspired by the embossed textures of ancient Ife sculptures and the distinctive features of Nok art. Subtle scratches, contoured silhouettes, and occasional monochromatic landscapes create fluid connections between pieces. Surreal elements further enhance interaction, fostering conversations between the artwork and its viewers.