b. 1996, Nigeria
Ayanfe Olarinde (b. 1996) is a self-taught visual artist currently employing scribbling
techniques as well as photography in creating intricately detailed and multi-layered
images.
In her work, Olarinde explores the themes of self-image, identity formation, social reality, collective history and mental health, while probing popular culture and the inefficiencies of the government in contemporary society. Drawing from imperfections in her personal, continuous journey for acceptance, Olarinde’s engagement with the scribbling technique serves to interrogate emotion while also exploring fluidity in form.
“Emoting through the ranging thickness of my scribbling, I find harmony in jaga-jaga (crooked lines) which became a skillset forged from the heat of frustration along the path to self-discovery upon which I found my truth.”
Working across various mediums including ink, acrylics, wire and found objects, the artist creates richly textured drawings, paintings, collages and sculptures engaging with personal experiences in her artistic journey. As an evocative artist influenced by her passage through life, her oeuvre has evolved to include works in photography and digital art. She is particularly interested in exploring conceptual photography as a tool for understanding the psychology of her subjects.
Her internationally recognized series “Dem Bobo”, has been featured in several local and international publications including CNN, Vogue, NTA, and RADR Africa. In 2020, Olarinde was listed amongst the 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria.