Ayodeji Awoyomi

Last updated
Ayodeji Awoyomi
Born
Ayodeji Oluwaseun Awoyomi

June 1, 1990
Usi Ekiti, Ekiti State
NationalityNigeria
Alma materEkiti state University
Known forFine-art Photography
Notable workSpirit of David
StylePhotography
AwardsPhotographer of the year
Websitewww.ovision.uk
Signature
Awoyomi ayodeji Signature.png

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]

Contents

Early life and education

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

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 2023, Awoyomi won the British Institute of Professional Photography's Student 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

Exhibitions

Solo exhibitions

Group exhibitions

Commissions

Collections

Awoyomi's work is included in the private collections of:

Award, Grant and scholarship

References

  1. "Nigerian fine art photographer makes history, wins British Award". The Guardian Nigeria. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  2. "Ayodeji Awoyomi: Nigerian Photographer Wins International Award". Trickle Media. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  3. "Ayodeji Awoyomi's Spirit of David". Contemporary African Art. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  4. "Ayodeji Awoyomi: Nigerian Photographer Wins International Award". Trickle Media. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  5. "Awoyomi, others shine @ group exhibition of photography". Vanguard Nigeria. 2024-09-21. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  6. "Four photographers hold exhibition at UNILAG". The Nation Nigeria. 2024-09-20. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  7. "Nigerian photographer wins British Award". The Sun Nigeria. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  8. "The Creative Meet Up". Eventbrite. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  9. "Nigeria is experiencing its worst floods in a decade. What's causing them?". World Economic Forum. 2022-10-25. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  10. "Nigerian photographer wins British Award". Nigeria Tribune. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  11. "Birmingham Open 25 Artists Announced". Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  12. "Thought Pyramid launches virtual workshop on mental health in visual arts". The Guardian Nigeria. 2025-05-07. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  13. "Awoyomi, others shine @ group exhibition of photography". Vanguard Nigeria. 23 September 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  14. "Tayese Academy of Arts and Culture announces debut group art exhibition, 'Celebrating Women'". Tribune Online. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.