.png)
April Spotlight Artists: Samuel Olayombo, Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow, and Johnson Uwadinma
- THE.CCART
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
As we step into the fresh bloom of April, a season of renewal and reflection, THE.CCART is excited to spotlight three remarkable artists whose work embodies transformation, connection, and cultural storytelling. This month, we feature Samuel Olayombo, Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow, and Johnson Uwadinma, artists who inspire us to embrace themes of memory, nature, and identity in this vibrant season.
Johnson Uwadinma: Memory, Identity, and Urban Life
Johnson Uwadinma, a Nigerian artist, uses his intricate paintings and installations to explore themes of memory, identity, morality, and co-existence. Known for his tessellating hues and layered textures, Uwadinma’s art reflects on the complexities of urban life and the connection between the human body, history, and social development. His works, created with acrylic and oil paints, invite viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between memory and contemporary existence.
Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow: Honouring Heritage Through Mixed Media
Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow, a Swedish-Gambian visual artist, creates vibrant mixed-media works that centre on female characters and themes of ancestry and identity. Drawing inspiration from her Gambian father, Swedish mother, and maternal lineage of creatives, Jallow’s art uses thread, oil, and acrylic to symbolise familial bloodlines and connect her subjects to their heritage. Her bold colours and intricate textures highlight the underrepresentation of women with mixed heritage and navigate the complexities of cultural identities, offering a powerful and reflective narrative.
Samuel Olayombo: Redefining Masculinity and Identity
Samuel Olayombo, a Nigerian artist, creates vibrant, large-scale portraits that challenge traditional views on gender, masculinity, and cultural identity. Using oils, acrylics, charcoal, and pastels, Olayombo’s dramatic compositions often feature male subjects in non-gender-normative roles. His use of a palette knife adds intricate textures that reference Yoruba scarification practices. Olayombo incorporates pastel pinks and floral elements to confront stereotypes, redefining cultural narratives and promoting equality through his art.
This February, explore the works of Alicia Brown, Zanele Montle, and Abdur Rahman Muhammad. Their art challenges perceptions of belonging, identity, and cultural heritage, inviting us to connect with personal and universal themes of resilience and self-discovery.
By THE.CCART
