We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jayeola Joshua a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jayeola, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a visual artist, i knew what I wanted earlier in life while growing up. Art was more a passion and a hobby to me which I love drawing a lot at a tender age. Could remember vividly I do make drawings at the back of my notebook while in primary and secondary school days, my grandmother would always warn me to stop it because it takes up space and they see it as waste of notebook because I spent some moments with her while growing up.

Fast forward, the moment I entered tertiary institution and went for my industrial training and all, I started gaining clarity and beyond what my hobby could offer beyond my passion for it.

I then later decided to go all in, in pursuit of a career in art. Art has saved me many times I couldn’t even count, I see signs even in the toughest moments, I see more reasons I shouldn’t stop and keep being creative.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jayeola Joshua , a talented visual artist born and based in Lagos, Nigeria, with my roots from Osun state. Having obtained my national diploma (ND) from the polytechnic Ibadan, i furthered my education at Yaba college of technology, specializing in painting and earning a Higher National Diploma (HND). Which my passion for art started at a tender age.
I had my industrial training under an organization “universal studio of art Lagos,Nigeria” and also under “Mr Abdulsalam abdulkareem “ where my art journey started with more clarity.

Throughout my career, i have showcased my work in numerous groups exhibitions both locally in Nigeria and abroad including: Art miabo international art festival (group exhibition, Nigeria) represented by Nk Art Space , nine eighteen nine studio art gallery “mother mother” (group exhibition,USA) , finalist for NEXT OF KIN art exhibition and competition at “Thought pyramid art centre” Lagos, Nigeria, Top 100 for “life in my city” art exhibition and competition and Fashion and art show at “Thought pyramid art centre” Lagos, plus234art fair “organized by SOTO GALLERY and ECO BANK Nigeria” (2025), “BEAUTY IN RESILIENCE “ (my initial online solo exhibition, represented by Vivid Exclusive Art Gallery “2025”). Featured on suboart magazine and portfolio review with Andrew Pierre Hart at tiwani contemporary (Nigeria). My artistry is driven by a deep understanding of the past, present and future, allowing me to create beauty from adversity and stimulate meaningful dialogue.

Working primarily with acrylic, oil, and charcoal on canvas, i employ curved lines in my compositions to convey a sense of comfort and explore the psychological states of the individuals. I am also an experimental artist while the red color which is always vivid in my works depict ranges of emotion and the psychological meaning and also speculate on my personal experience. The themes I explore mostly are cultural values, social lifestyle and self identity. My work invites viewers to reflect on the human condition and find solace amidst life’s challenges.

As I continue to captivate audiences with my evocative artwork, leaving a lasting impression on the contemporary art scene in Nigeria and beyond.

How did you build your audience on social media?

For this, I would say consistency, which am still building. You have to keep showing up even at your lowest, it all counts.

And from my experience and observation, one thing is you don’t have to confuse consistency with progress. And you don’t even have to have all the followers in the world. your target should be having the right people to support your creations and all. But I will still stand on “keep showing up, people are watching”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, I want the world to experience my creativity and authenticity and give back to the society.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayeola_joshua_art?igsh=MWRlczR0NXpvN3Z3MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A8EczsdVk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Twitter: https://x.com/jayeolajoshuart?s=21