Damilola Ajegbomogun is a contemporary Nigerian artist born in 1994 in Ibadan, Nigeria. From a young age, he developed a passion for drawing and a curiosity about the layers of meaning within artistic expression. Initially drawn to discussions around intention, meaning, and interpretation in art, he later discovered his interest in the raw, first-level reactions to artwork: "good," "not good," "finished," or "unfinished." This led him to focus on a broader, more immediate artistic experience, often working with a vast canvas as his frame of reference.
Ajegbomogun's work is driven by a desire to simplify and focus on the form itself, rejecting rigid planning. Instead, he draws on a personal vocabulary of images, allowing each piece to evolve in alignment with his instinctual process. He believes that painting is an expression of one's intentions, a medium where the artist brings forth the body, space, and figure in innovative ways that challenge our perception. He has coined his style as Minimalist Realism, a fusion of African figures and hairstyles painted against a red-hued backdrop, embodying a dreamlike quality that engages viewers with an intimate narrative.
His works are figurative and spontaneous, often depicting lone figures in vibrant reds—each piece aiming to capture a ceremony of human experience, moving viewers emotionally and challenging their perspective.
Education & Artistic Journey
Damilola's artistic journey began early. He earned a B.A. (Hons) in Creative Art from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria, where he expanded his skills in various techniques including hand drawing, pastels, charcoal, watercolors, acrylics, and experimental forms of art. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to figurative painting, often exploring themes that represent the everyday human condition.
Exhibitions & Recognition
Ajegbomogun's work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, including:
Made in Nigeria Art Masterclass (2018)
Azerbaijan Online Art Exhibition (2018)
Gender and Politics Art Exhibition, Lagos (2019)
Lasgidi Cultural Art Exhibition (2020), featuring his figurative work Her Comfort Zone
Mbari Mbayo Art Exhibition (2020), featuring The Inevitable Black Allegory
Festival of Colour Art Exhibition, Lagos (2022), showcasing Waiting for a Ceremony 1
Art Gala Auction, London (2022)
Mini Art Fair, 2023, featuring 50 African art pieces and auction night
In recognition of his talent, Ajegbomogun received the Best Artist of the Year Award in 2018 at the Federal College of Education (NCE program). He also participated in the Made in Nigeria Art Masterclass with German-Nigerian artist collaboration in 2019 and the Art Cardio project in 2021.
Gallery Representation & Projects
Damilola is currently represented by Constance and Sons Gallery, affiliated with Artsy, and works in consignment with Return On Art in Austria. His pieces have also been featured in prestigious auction catalogs, such as the Art Gala Auction(2022) and the Lasgidi Art Exhibition Catalogue.
Notable Works
One of his most memorable works is Waiting for a Ceremony 1, painted in 2021 and displayed in Lagos, Nigeria. Additionally, his final-year project at UNILAG in 2022, an abstract painting titled Reading or Studying, was painted directly on the wall of the university's library, incorporating acrylics to create an engaging abstract experience.
Damilola Ajegbomogun continues to make waves in the art world, pushing boundaries and reshaping how African contemporary art is perceived.
