Wole Lagunju

Wole Lagunju is a distinguished artist and 1986 graduate of Fine Arts and Graphic Design from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Currently residing in North Carolina, USA, Lagunju has showcased his work in numerous esteemed public and private exhibitions. His accolades include the Phillip Ravenhill Fellowship awarded by UCLA in 2006 and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation award in 2009.

Lagunju’s artistic inspiration draws from traditional Yoruba women textile designers, particularly those involved in the indigenous indigo tie and dye industry (Adire), which is a significant part of Nigerian heritage. By integrating Adire motifs, his work explores themes of human character, spirituality, and the interplay between physical and metaphysical realms.

As an artist navigating different cultures in a globalized era, Lagunju employs these motifs to delve into the concept of multiculturalism. His drip technique with inks echoes the vibrancy of indigo dyeing, merging spontaneity with a meticulously calculated artistic process. This synthesis allows Lagunju to address profound questions of identity and purpose as a contemporary African artist.