In March, we were stunned by Oluwadamilola Ajala’s work at the inaugural Ecobank +234 Art Fair. Her intriguing pieces blended realism and abstraction to create a unique figurative style, which led us to reach out to her. Adding her work to our online gallery was an amazing opportunity, and we’re excited to feature such a talented artist. You’ve seen her work, but now it’s time to get to know her and her art on a deeper level.
artdey: Can you share your journey into the world of art? What initially drew you to explore the fusion of abstraction and realism?
Oluwadamilola Ajala: My journey into art began early. My late father discovered I could draw, so he enrolled me with a roadside artist. After school, I would go there to practice. Later, he switched me to another artist because I wasn’t improving. Sometimes, I’d go in my school uniform just to learn. As my passion grew, I pursued it further by studying Fine Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, where I graduated with a second-class upper. The fusion of abstraction and realism in my work is inspired by life itself. We often say, "Life no balance"—some things are, and others aren’t. The abstraction in my paintings represents the unreal, the things we imagine into existence. Realism, on the other hand, captures the tangible aspects of life, the things that define reality.
artdey: Why do you prefer using a palette knife and the impasto technique in your work? What does it allow you to express that other techniques might not?
Oluwadamilola Ajala: Our personalities shape our work. I’m not a fan of hyper-realism, and I’m quite impatient. The palette knife gives me peace and helps me achieve the texture I love. It symbolizes the toughness we Africans carry, even when we appear soft on the outside. The knife also gives me flexibility—it feels like it was made for me! It allows me to be free, relaxed, and less rigid. Other techniques make me strive for perfection, but with the palette knife, I can be myself while still aiming for excellence.
Ààrò Meta by Oluwadamilola Ajala,2023
artdey: How do the cultural aspects of the Yoruba language and symbols influence the storytelling in your artwork?
Oluwadamilola Ajala: I’m proud to be Yoruba because our culture is rich in proverbs, idioms, and heritage, which is reflected in my work. This influence is seen in the titles of my paintings, like Ìwàlẹwá, Àro Mẹta, and Età Oko. The cultural heritage, especially the use of traditional outfits like Aso-Oke, also features prominently in my paintings.
artdey: Many of your works feature bubbles over the heads of your subjects. What do these bubbles represent, and how do they contribute to the narrative of your pieces?
Oluwadamilola Ajala: The bubbles represent the spherical shape of Earth. As humans, we need to be our brother’s keeper and show love to one another, regardless of skin tone. After all, we all share the same basic facial features—two eyes, one nose, and a mouth. The bubbles remind us that we are all connected, despite our differences.
Àgbékeé in Her Elements by Oluwadamilola Ajala, 2024
artdey: What challenges have you faced in developing your unique style? How have you overcome them?
Oluwadamilola Ajala: One of the greatest challenges I faced was indecision about whether to continue painting the eyeballs in my unique way. I wasn’t sure if it would resonate with the audience. But to my surprise, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, so I embraced it and continued refining my style to make it even more distinct.
artdey: Where do you see your art going in the future? Are there any new directions or mediums you're interested in exploring?
Oluwadamilola Ajala: I see my art becoming a household name, by God’s grace, and gaining global recognition. I’m also interested in exploring other mediums, especially mixed media, which I’ve always loved. It’s definitely a direction I want to explore more.
Ife Ooloyin by Oluwadamilola Ajala, 2024
artdey: What advice would you give emerging artists trying to find their unique voice?
Oluwadamilola Ajala: Be yourself. Don’t follow the crowd. You have a unique voice, and it’s up to you to discover it. Don’t try to be like someone else or second-guess your instincts. Always put God first—He’s the source of all creativity.
It was a pleasure to learn more about Ajala’s creative process, and we hope her story inspires both emerging and established artists. Explore and shop her captivating collection at artdey.com.