Damilare Jamiu in Conversation: A Journey Through Art and Identity

What drives someone to keep creating, especially when the path is uncertain? In this exclusive interview, Nigerian artist Damilare Jamiu opens up about his journey from childhood sketches to becoming a full-time portrait painter whose work explores Black identity, mental health, and cultural memory.

Based in Nigeria, Damilare’s paintings are rich with emotion and symbolism. He often features Black figures adorned with butterflies, bees, and vibrant textiles. His work blends personal storytelling with wider reflections on society, beauty, and resilience. Through his words and art, he offers a raw and honest perspective on what it means to stay true to your purpose.

Watch the full interview on YouTube

From Drawing Comics to Building a Practice

Damilare’s interest in art started early. He spent his childhood drawing characters from comic books, supported by his mum and brothers, who encouraged him to develop his talent. After secondary school, he trained for over four years under Master Muyiwa Williams, a respected master artist in Lagos. That experience gave him the technical foundation to grow, and from 2016 onwards, he began working independently, developing a practice grounded in portraiture.

Turning Struggle into Inspiration

The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With no income and no clear path forward, Damilare struggled with depression and doubt. But instead of walking away from art, he recommitted.

“That was when I realised this is what I’m made to do.”

His paintings since then have touched on themes of mental wellbeing, nature, and personal healing. The result is work that not only reflects his story but resonates with people going through their own.

Telling Stories Through Symbols

Damilare’s portraits often feature Black figures dressed in rich fabrics, surrounded by bees, butterflies, and flowers. These details aren’t just decorative. They speak to deeper themes of beauty, memory, identity, and mental health.

One of his most personal works is Allegory of Memories, created after the passing of his father. The painting includes visual references to his father's love of fashion and travel, as well as a bold red “sold” tag painted directly into the piece.

“I sold this work to myself first, before any other person could buy it.”

A significant influence in Damilare’s work is Damask, a richly patterned fabric his father wore often and held dear. This fabric now features regularly in his paintings as a way to honour that connection. It’s more than material. For Damilare, Damask symbolises heritage, style, and remembrance.

“This is my father’s favourite fabric. Including it in my work reminds me of who I am and where I come from.”

Through these symbolic choices, Damilare blends personal memory with cultural narrative, creating work that speaks both intimately and universally.

Bringing a Portrait to Life

Each painting begins with an idea in Damilare’s mind. He sketches his vision, decides on colour and contrast, and slowly builds the work through multiple layers. His subjects are usually created by combining features from multiple references, blending different faces, gestures, and outfits into a single, imagined figure.

“I want the person looking at my painting to see a beautiful version of themselves.It’s not just a portrait. It’s about recognising your worth, no matter your circumstances.”

The Bigger Picture

Despite his growing success, including over 40 works sold and pieces collected by the NAACP Museum in the US, Damilare is open about the challenges artists in Nigeria face. Limited access to funding, mentorship, and international platforms remains a major barrier for many talented creatives. Still, his mindset is forward-thinking. He mentors a younger artist in his studio and is working towards his first solo exhibition, an opportunity he hopes will allow people to truly engage with his story and practice.

Thank You, Damilare

We’re grateful to Damilare Jamiu for opening up about his journey, process, and the experiences that shape his work. His honesty and passion reflect what THE.CCART is all about, highlighting powerful stories through contemporary art. Watch the full interview now and hear Damilare’s story in his own words.

Watch Video

By THE.CCART