Bamike Artwork

Taiwo Apampa is a self-taught visual artist who infuses jewelry and texture into her acrylic paintings. Her inspirations stem from her deep-rooted African heritage, and its unique fashion elements. Taiwo has a love for vibrant colors which is notable in her portraits of elegantly dressed contemporary African women. In a bid to make meaning out of life’s difficult challenges amidst dealing with grief, Taiwo found her purpose in the world of art. With no formal art training, she has built on a childhood passion for fashion and arts. In her words, “I am forever grateful for the path that led me to Art. Art gave me life, it’s my expression- a juxtaposition of my deep-rooted African heritage and an immersive western culture”. Being born in Nigeria and strongly influenced by a matriarch and a host of strong African women; she grew up inspired by the African woman’s strength, beauty, richness of her brown skin and above all, the grace to look elegant and unscathed even in midst of chaos; "this I want to share with the world". Artist Statement It is the intention of the art that I create to weave a tapestry of the contemporary African woman who manifests their own evolution, sits in their power, changes the narrative and creates a culture that enables them to overcome and thrive. I want to inspire people to find their truth and have the audacity to follow their dreams. I want people to see the beauty in themselves and remain true to their authentic self. I hope my art makes space, holds space and validates black girls and black women. Dear Black woman, your blackness, diversity, richness of your skin and culture all make you unique. Stay proud of your cultural heritage.