Soji Adesina (b. 1981) is a Nigerian-British multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, film, and photography. Renowned for his radical experimentation with materials and techniques, he has cultivated a distinctive visual language that challenges traditional representation. His work captivates with vibrant color juxtapositions, often set against the stark presence of a solitary figure, exploring the complexities of identity.
By rendering the skin of his subjects in abstract hues, Adesina provokes a fundamental question: “What is the color of skin?” This inquiry serves as a gateway into broader themes of identity, culture, and the intersection of tradition and modernity. Storytelling is at the heart of his practice, as he invites viewers to engage with the layered narratives within his compositions. Color plays a significant role, not only as an aesthetic choice but as an emotional force that stimulates the senses and challenges perceptions. His work critically examines globalization, sovereignty, conflict, and migration, using irony, metaphor, and paradox to deconstruct the forces shaping radicalization, statehood, and sexuality.
Adesina’s art celebrates the diversity and complexity of the African experience while fostering a dialogue on the evolving nature of identity in a globalized world.
Adesina has exhibited widely in Nigeria and internationally, with shows in major cities such as New York, Paris, London, and São Paulo. His work is held in esteemed private and corporate collections worldwide.