Busayo Lawal: The Taker No 1

Busayo Lawal (born 1976) is a visionary Nigerian artist whose work has redefined the trajectory of contemporary African art. Over the past two decades, Lawal has used his art to critique and contextualize the absurdities of Nigerian society. His signature style, characterized by continuous and intricate lines in solid colors layered over black underpaint, captures the viewer’s attention while conveying powerful messages. Examples of this technique can be seen in works like The Surge, where bold red lines dominate, and Serene Path, featuring calming blue hues. Through form, texture, line, and pattern, Lawal creates immersive experiences that encourage reflection on societal realities.

For Lawal, abstraction is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. He employs his distinctive visual language as a tool to communicate deeply resonant ideas, devising idiosyncratic figures and patterns that engage viewers on multiple levels. His focus lies in “creating an engaged visual experience” that transcends mere aesthetics to deliver thought-provoking narratives.

Lawal’s art interrogates the conventions of visual storytelling, challenging preconceived notions of time, space, migration, and power. His first major exhibition in Nigeria, Life in Asymmetry, exemplifies this approach. Drawing inspiration from aso oke, the ceremonial woven cloth of the Yoruba people, Lawal reimagines its rich tapestries and motifs in inventive ways. From large-scale paintings to intricate drawings, his works honor an ageless tradition while pushing its boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on Yoruba cultural heritage.

An alumnus of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Federal University of Technology Akure, and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Lawal has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary African art. His commitment to innovation and his ability to weave traditional elements with modern concepts have cemented his place in the zeitgeist of global art, making his work a beacon of creativity and cultural dialogue.