We were lucky to catch up with Winner Bukoye recently and have shared our conversation below.

Winner , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The very first time I realized I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was in my fourth year of secondary school,the point where every student is required to choose a department: Art, Science, or Commercial. It was a defining moment, filled with pressure about career choices and what to study at the university.
At the time, I had already started developing an interest in art, but I was still a bit unsure on going for it professionally. The morning before the departmental exam, when my parents asked which path I had chosen, I told them “Science.” Truthfully, I hadn’t made up my mind I just said it at the moment because I knew my dad would be pleased if I’m a science student.
However, everything changed when I got to school. As I sat there, I couldn’t ignore what I truly felt. I had already begun learning the basics of art, and deep down, I knew that choosing any other path would feel like wasting that passion and effort. My mind kept returning to one clear thought: I want to be an Artist and also remembering great artists who has inspired me a lot: Aina Onabolu,Chief Lamidi Fakeye, Dọtun Popoola etc..
In that moment of clarity, the confusion disappeared. I realized it was no longer a question or a choice it was certain. For me, it was either Art….or ART

Winner , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m BUKOYE WINNER JOSEPH, a versatile visual and creative artist.
I’ve been so passionate about art right from when I was a kid but I started taking it more seriously when I was 12, I was enrolled in a studio in Osogbo as an apprentice under the mentorship of Mr Wole Agboola (El Carver Art Gallery, Osogbo),that was when I started my art journey
I’m passionate about exploring diverse mediums in art, I draw, I paint, I sculpt(wood carving) and also I’m a textile artist. I create in diverse mediums
I’m not just a textile artist, I create ready to wear outfits from my 100% hand made adire, I create corporate, casual and outfits suitable for events.
I take commission for pencil portraiture or painting and also I do wood carving as well

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an artist, I have never truly lost. In moments of joy, in seasons of brokenness, when everything seems to fall apart, when doubt creeps in, and even in failure, art keeps me going. Life may come at me in waves, but art remains
Art is more than an escape; it is therapy and sometimes the only kind that truly understands.
Being a creative is one of the greatest gifts. Creatives are the most fortunate people in the world, because no matter the circumstance, they are never stranded, they can always create, and in creating,they find their way again.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my goal is to reach the world through my art, to showcase African heritage and culture on a global stage, to inspire, and to create opportunities for young and emerging artists, because I understand the struggles of trying to make it in the art industry.
The world isn’t ready for me just yet… but I’m coming.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winner_art_001?igsh=cWh4eXhpdWlmMHht
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akinloluwa.winner
• Twitter: https://x.com/Bukoye_winner?t=MK2Yb18ttbTMDlSxFlDOKg&s=09
• Other: TikTok: @winnerart001
  WhatsApp:+2348074771463