The conversation Print

Janet Adenike Adebayo (b. 1997) is a self-taught Nigerian artist, born in Lagos and based in Lagos as an artist. She began her journey as a painter in 2017. She refers to herself as a “confessional” artist, as her art is an expression of intimate moments and openness of truths and feelings others may be otherwise shy to confront. Adebayo expresses herself using acrylic and mix media on canvas, employing techniques such as her signature “mosaic skin” tones, fusing a collage of colors to create humanoid figures, made obvious by exaggerated features. Drawing inspiration from a trauma-filled past of witnessing and experiencing domestic abuse and a dynamic nature of family ties, she uses her paintings as an escape and coping mechanism, fantasising ideal scenarios for herself and others facing the same predicament. Her current works showcase her perspective on subject matters such as family as a unit, pain and bereavement, self-awareness and appraisal. The idea of masculinity became part of her concern after losing her brother. She is able to unearth raw emotions whilst encouraging love and unity.