Ganiu Ismail (b. 1997) is a Lagos-based visual artist whose work bridges personal introspection with a broader exploration of the human experience. Working primarily with oil on canvas and soft pastels, he translates emotions, memories, and cultural narratives into striking visual compositions.

 

Rooted in his Yoruba heritage and enriched by his deep Islamic background, Ganiu’s art is a reflection of longing, desire, hope, and despair—universal themes seen through different lenses across time and space. His evolving practice delves into the idea that objects can serve as vessels for human memory, emotions, and lived experiences, transforming everyday forms into poignant storytellers.

 

Through his work, Ganiu invites viewers to engage with the layers of history, culture, and personal reflection embedded within his art, creating a dialogue between past and present, the tangible and the intangible.