"Bloom"
Hi Mayowa, thank you for agreeing to being part of this spotlight. We believe there is something powerful about taking pride in your culture and where you come from, as those experiences shape our perspective on life and influence how we move through the world. Let’s start there, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in art?
I grew up in Lagos around a lot of color, fabric, people and movement naturally, so I think creativity entered my life before I even understood what art really was.
My mum sold textiles like Ankara, Aso Oke, Lace and other native fabrics, so being around prints and textures everyday definitely shaped the way I see things now. As a child I did draw a lot too, mostly random imaginary characters from cartoons, comics like most other kids in class.
Over time, I became more interested in storytelling visually, and photography just became the medium that allowed me to express everything together… fashion, color, emotion, identity, memory. It all started feeling like one world instead of separate things. Professionally, I've been practising art since 2021.
"Choreographed Struggle"
My background is not something I can describe, because I never thought about being an artist up until the moment I had become one. I was only conscious about the fact that I struggled with communicating verbally, then photography came and it was the easiest exit route for me.
Although I was always creating something naturally, I don’t think I consciously called myself an artist at first. The moment it started feeling real was when I realized people could actually feel something from random things I did, emotionally. Even without me explaining too much. That shifted everything for me. I started understanding that art wasn’t just about making beautiful images, it was also about creating feelings and narratives.
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I love what you said about art being a means of communication without necessarily using words, and how becoming an artist can sometimes sneak up on you unintentionally. That resonates with many artists, myself included. I'm interested to understand what that moment looked like for you, the first moment you considered yourself an artist or creative.
The first moment might’ve been when I realized that I could just take a photograph on my mobile device, work on the post production, share it and people resonated with it, with or without understanding the message behind it.
"Under the Sun"
There’s something really powerful about starting with something as accessible as an iPhone and still having the work resonate beyond explanation. Since that first moment, how do you think your artistic style has evolved over time?
I was mostly experimenting visually and trying things instinctively, but over time I became more aware of what I’m actually trying to communicate through color, fabric, movement and composition. I’ve also become more confident in taking up space creatively and allowing my work to feel fuller, more layered and expressive.
“I Can't Afford Therapy"
Your mention of taking up space creatively feels central to your evolution. What inspires your creative process, and how does your use of contrast between dark skin tones and vibrant prints shape the story you’re telling through your photography?
A lot of my inspiration honestly comes from everyday life, memory, nature, people, Lagos, fabrics, even small things. I’m very drawn to color.
The relationship between highly contrasted skin tones and vibrant prints has always felt very powerful and alive to me visually. There’s this richness and depth that happens naturally when they exist together in a piece.
I come from a background where everything happens to be deeply rooted in culture and history, like the Ojude-Oba festival that takes place every year in my hometown, filled with families expressing themselves through fashion, elegance and their uniqueness. The inspiration behind my “Dashiki” art series.
“Dashiki"
Walk me through what your day or week usually looks like as an artist, whether you are part-time or full-time.
I work full-time as an artist and director, so honestly my weeks are always flowing between different things. Some days I’m sourcing fabrics, writing down ideas or planning a concept. Other days I’m producing, designing or just observing life quietly. I spend a lot of time thinking visually even when I’m not actively creating. So even moving around the city can spark ideas naturally.
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You’ve mentioned the influence of growing up in vibrant Lagos and engaging with your peers as a source of inspiration. How has that upbringing influenced your confidence in pursuing your artistic vision?
Growing up around a strong and expressive culture made me less afraid of originality. My family naturally embraced style, elegance and presentation in different ways, so creativity has always been running in the blood.
Also, being someone that spent a lot of time imagining things as a child helped me trust my inner world more as I got older. I won’t say confidence came instantly though. I think confidence for me came from continuously creating, evolving and realizing that people genuinely connect with what I make.
“Dashiki II”
Your original artwork is incredible and every piece tells its own story but I'm curious if there is particular project or piece of work that you are especially proud of? What makes it stand out for you?
Honestly, I’m very proud of the visual world I’ve been building around BROTHERSLAWEE because it feels deeply personal to me and my brothers who have built it from scratch.
“Ijakadi"
Your work also immediately draws attention through the striking Ankara prints you use to convey emotion. What does it mean to represent your culture through these textiles, and how do you hope that resonates with viewers?
Ankara has been part of my life visually for as long as I can remember, so using it in my work feels very natural. Considering it has heavily contributed to the textile culture across cities in Nigeria.
And it carries memory, energy, identity and history. I present it in ways that still feel contemporary and emotionally fresh without disconnecting from its roots. Because I love when people from different places can connect with the work even if they didn’t grow up around these fabrics themselves.
“Self Healing Power"
Butterflies appear throughout your work—what do they symbolize for you?
Basically, it represents freedom, growth and liberation from constraints in life for an individual. I intentionally borrow the concept of their life cycle and place that magic into my pieces
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Freedom is especially important for many artists. The freedom to create, to express, and to connect. What advice would you give to an emerging artist that is trying to market themselves?
I don’t have any, but experimenting or trying out things have never failed me as a creative individual.
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We are seeing more and more artists using social media as a way to connect with their audience. How has social media helped expand the reach of your art?
One phrase - “Absolutely powerful”
It amplifies voices beyond imagination.
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"Osusu"
I was initially drawn to your original artwork because of how layered it was at first glance. Your work is visually compelling and intentional in every way. Thank you for allowing us to understand more about why you create. It was an honor!
Before I let you go, I'm curious what’s a song you’re currently listening to on repeat, and why?
While I love gentle, immersive and atmospheric music. Sekere music, Jazz, RnB. Relaxed Afrobeat songs still takes the crown.
But currently, it’s Turbulence by Wizkid & Asake
Photo of Mayowa Lawal
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To learn more about Mayowa’s journey, his original art, or for collaborations, be sure to connect with him via instagram ( @lawalmayor_ ). Also, visit his BROTHERSLAWEE project website (brotherslawee.com)! Be on the lookout for his artwork at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair in Johannesburg, SA, happening from May 22-24, if you're local!
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*If you're an artist (of any discipline) interested in being featured in this spotlight series, please send an email to inquiries@leonella97.com.
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