Rising Stars: James Adabayo

James Adebayo (b. 1996; born and based in Ilorin, Nigeria) is a self-taught artist working predominantly with acrylic and oil paint. His figurative paintings often depict scenes of historical and contemporary life, familial moments, mundane activities and simultaneously convey innate human emotions and nostalgic feelings. Drawing on his personal experience of double vision, James’ distinctive visual language constitutes of distorted figures with pink and blue skin tones which ultimately reference the vibrant butterfly pattern—a metaphorical representation of the constant transformation of life from chains to freedom, dependence to independence, injustice to equity, ignorance to awareness. These narratives further delve into themes of self identity and cultural values in his practice. His paintings aim to reflect the diversity of humanity and invite viewers to look at one’s own reflection with satisfaction