Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oluwatobi Adewumi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Oluwatobi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Through years of hands-on practice, observing life, and studying other artists. Migration shaped my vision—teaching me to express identity, resilience, and belonging through layered narratives.
What could have sped up my learning?
Sharing my work earlier, seeking mentorship, and learning the business of art sooner. I held back out of fear of imperfection.
Most essential skills?
Visual storytelling, emotional awareness, consistency, and the ability to speak and write about my work clearly.
Biggest obstacles?
Limited access to networks, financial constraints, imposter syndrome, and burnout. But I kept creating—and that made all the difference.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Oluwatobi Adewumi, a Nigerian-American contemporary visual artist based in Arkansas. My journey began with a deep desire to tell stories—stories about identity, migration, and what it means to belong. I moved to the United States from Nigeria and found myself navigating unfamiliar cultural terrain. That experience profoundly shaped my creative voice.
I create mixed-media portraits that blend realism with abstraction, using charcoal, acrylic, collage, and sometimes found objects. My work often features faces and figures layered with emotional and cultural symbols—immigration papers, textiles, or handwritten letters—inviting viewers into deeply personal and collective narratives.
Through exhibitions, public art, and educational talks, I aim to spark conversations around race, resilience, and the immigrant experience. What sets my work apart is its emotional honesty and the balance I strike between personal storytelling and broader social commentary.
I’m most proud of how my art has helped people feel seen and understood. Whether it’s someone who shares a similar journey or someone discovering a new perspective, I want my work to build empathy.
Ultimately, my goal is to leave a mark—not just on canvas, but in how people think and feel about the stories of those around them.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating work that resonates—seeing someone connect emotionally with a piece and feel seen, heard, or inspired. It’s about turning personal stories into shared understanding.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I first moved to the U.S., I struggled with culture shock and isolation. I didn’t have a studio, network, or support system—just a small corner in my apartment and a strong desire to create. Despite financial limitations and uncertainty, I continued drawing every day, using affordable materials like charcoal and paper. One of those early pieces was later exhibited in a major group show, which opened doors to more opportunities. That moment reminded me that consistency and belief in my voice could carry me through even the most uncertain times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tobiadewumi.com
- Instagram: @otobiart
Image Credits
by the artist-Oluwatobi Adewumi