Fabric and Colour with Mayowa Lawal

Nigerian artist, Mayowa Lawal, creates vibrant works that span across photography, digital collage, textile, and portraiture. His work is immediately recognisable because of the way he uses the Ankara fabric as a core part of the entire visual, the colourful patterns making his already explosive backgrounds that much more alive. Each of his subjects feature skin the colour of oil - a clear celebration of Blackness.

In many pieces, Mayowa wraps, layers, covers, and frames the subject with bold African prints until person, pattern, and colour blur together. The fabric becomes representative of identity, culture and an unapologetic showcase of the African way.

Mayowa’s creations speak about culture and life - from fighting through your tribulations, to metamorphosizing into your best self. See some of our favourite works from the African artist.

Find out more about Mayowa’s work on his website.