Samuel Olayombo

Samuel Olayombo, is a Nigerian artist whose textured, large-scale portraits explore themes of gender, masculinity, and cultural identity. Olayombo's acrylic paintings create vibrant and dramatic compositions, often portraying male subjects in non-gender-normative ways. His use of a palette knife adds intricate, three-dimensional textures that evoke scarring, a nod to Yoruba cultural practices. Influenced by artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Arja Valimaki, Olayombo’s work challenges traditional notions of gender and masculinity, incorporating pastel pinks and roses to confront stereotypes and promote equality. Through his art, Olayombo redefines the constructs of identity and cultural expression.