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Olamide Ogunade Olisco Olamide Ogunade, known as Olisco, is a Nigerian artist whose portraits combine charcoal, graphite and acrylic to capture the rhythm of life in contemporary African society. His work explores skin as a surface of identity, using tone and texture to reflect individuality and emotion. The recurring bubbles that appear across his compositions serve as symbols of pressure, release and the temporary nature of struggle. Drawing from his surroundings and daily encounters, Olisco’s detailed approach invites viewers to look closely and reflect on the resilience and energy that define his world. Classic Discussion, 2024 Charcoal and acrylic on canvas In His Embrace, 2023 Acrylic on canvas You Are Not Alone, 2022 Charcoal and acrylic on canvas Big Sister, 2023 Acrylic on canvas Her World, Her Poodle, 2025 Charcoal and acrylic on canvas Previous Next Connect with the Artist >

EXHIBITIONS Out of the Blue Out of the Blue brings together a selection of paintings by Cape Town artist Mbulelo Lokoto, where people and objects in vivid colour stand out against everyday settings painted in blue. Each work is an original, available to buy directly through THE.CCART. VIEW EXHIBITION

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Discover contemporary artists of African and Caribbean heritage here at THE.CCART. The.Cultured Contemporary Art A contemporary art platform spotlighting artists of African and Caribbean heritage, connecting them with global audiences through storytelling, strategy, and curation. Discover Artists Monthly Spotlights Chrystabel Brittany Discover Michael Fiscian Discover THE.CCART STUDIO Bridging art and audience. THE.CCART Studio extends the platform’s mission, helping artists, galleries, and community organisations build authentic visibility through storytelling, strategy, and collaboration. Explore

Monthly spotlights on three contemporary artists of African and Caribbean heritage. Interviews | THE.CC ART Conversations with artists on practice, process, and perspective. VISIT YOUTUBE > All Videos Play Video Play Video 18:54 Amatullah Alhassan – ‘Art Became a Necessity for Me’ | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this interview, Nigerian artist Amatullah Alhassan shares how art grew from childhood curiosity into a vital form of self-expression, allowing her to communicate thoughts and emotions she could not always put into words. 🎨 Working primarily with acrylic, line, geometry and figurative portraiture, Amatullah’s practice draws from culture, memory and identity. Her paintings explore Black womanhood and Nigerian tradition, often featuring head ties, patterned clothing and sunflowers as symbols of hope and pride. 💬 She reflects on being self-taught, learning through curiosity and discipline, and how motherhood has deepened her perspective as an artist. Amatullah also discusses cultural influence, creative growth and the importance of staying true to your voice. — Follow Amatullah Alhassan 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/artbyamah/ Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:16 – Art Journey 01:43 – Developing Skills 03:19 – Culture, identity and Black womanhood 06:43 – Sunflower, lines, and geometry 09:07 – Creative process 10:54 – Favourite artwork 11:35 – Motherhood 12:14 – Overcoming Challenges 17:35 – Motivation and advice for artists #art #artist #contemporaryart #nigerianart #blackwomanhood #THECCART Play Video Play Video 28:15 Yvadney Davis – ‘My Art Is a Visual Archive’ | Artist Interview | THE.CCART British-Caribbean artist Yvadney Davis reflects on returning to painting after a career in fashion, and how rediscovering art during the pandemic reshaped her practice and purpose. Working primarily with oil, collage, wallpaper and beadwork, Yvadney’s paintings act as a visual archive of Black British Caribbean life in the UK. Drawing from family history, memory and lived experience, her work explores home, belonging, identity and the emotional inheritance passed through generations. — Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart/ 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:19 – Art Journey 02:36 – Identity 03:44 – Windrush 06:35 – Using wallpaper, collage and memory 09:26 – Art Process 12:46 – Favourite Artwork 16:07 – Connecting with work 17:33 – Motherhood 20:42 – Challenges 21:30 – Imposter Syndrome 22:33 – Staying Committed 25:06 – Motivation 25:40 – Future Planes 27:15 – Final reflections #art #artist #blackbritishart #caribbeandiaspora #contemporaryart #THECCART Play Video Play Video 04:15 Eshinlokun Wasiu – 'When You See My Art, You See Me' | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this interview, Lagos-based artist Eshinlokun Wasiu opens up about his creative journey, his mother’s encouragement, and how art became both his outlet and his way of connecting with others. 🎨 Working primarily with acrylic and charcoal, Wasiu explores human connection and resilience through his signature silhouette figures. His work reflects shared experiences, challenges, and emotions — reminding us that, regardless of background, we all stem from the same roots. 💬 Hear Wasiu discuss the meaning behind his technique, the challenges of reaching new audiences, and why staying focused is essential for any artist building their path. — Follow Wasiu Eshinlokun 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/eshinlokunwasiu Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com Play Video Play Video 10:37 Jayeola Joshua – ‘The Audacity to Dream Big’ | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this candid interview, Nigerian artist Jayeola Joshua opens up about his journey from childhood sketches on the backs of calendars to becoming a painter exploring culture, self-identity and personal experience. 🎨 Known for weaving powerful symbolism into his work, Joshua often uses the colour red to express themes of passion, determination and strength. His practice reflects deep cultural values and his evolving identity as an artist. 💬 Hear how studying at Yaba College of Technology shaped his foundation, the story behind one of his most meaningful works Jacob’s Blessing, and why he believes in the audacity to dream big, even through moments of self-doubt. — Follow Jayeola Joshua 📸 https://www.instagram.com/jayeola_joshua_art Connect with THE.CCART 📸 / the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:03 – Joshua’s journey into art 03:08 – Moments that shaped him as an artist 04:21 – What keeps him committed 05:10 – Describing his art style 06:05 – Inside his creative process 07:34 – A meaningful artwork: Jacob’s Blessing 08:30 – Challenges as an artist 09:42 – Advice for aspiring artists Play Video Play Video 05:37 Obiwuru Esther – ‘Painting the Beauty of African Women’ | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this inspiring interview, Nigerian visual artist Obiwuru Esther shares her journey into the art world, from an unexpected beginning at university to establishing herself as a dedicated full-time artist. 🎨 Known for her striking portraits of African women, Obiwuru draws inspiration from traditional hairstyles and cultural essence, using bold patterns and rich shades of red to celebrate identity, strength and beauty. ⚠️ Correction: The caption should refer to 'adire', not red patterns. — Follow Obiwuru Esther 📸 https://www.instagram.com/estherobiwuru_art/ Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:15 – Obiwuru’s journey into art 00:54 – Moments that shaped her as an artist 01:40 – What keeps her committed 02:18 – Describing her art style 02:56 – A meaningful artwork: Lady from the South 03:53 – Inside her creative process 04:34 – Biggest challenges as an artist 05:05 – Advice for aspiring artists Play Video Play Video 22:17 Damilare Jamiu Kanyinsola – 'I Live in Inspiration Every Day' | Artist Interview | THE.CCART In this moving interview, Nigerian portrait artist Damilare Jamiu Kanyinsola shares his incredible journey from drawing comics as a child to developing his own practice that celebrates Black identity, mental well-being and cultural beauty. 🎨 Known for his vibrant, emotionally rich portraiture, Damilare reflects on artistic growth, personal loss, mentorship and the challenges facing Nigerian artists today. 💬 Hear how he navigated moments of depression during the 2020 pandemic, what keeps him committed to his practice and the deep personal meaning behind his most treasured work, Allegory of Memories. — Follow Damilare Jamiu 📸 https://www.instagram.com/damilare_jamiu_kanyin Connect with THE.CCART 📸 https://www.instagram.com/the.ccart 🌍 https://www.theccart.com — ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:59 – Damilare’s art journey begins 04:05 – A moment that shaped him 05:34 – What keeps him committed 06:21 – Describing his art style 08:57 – A meaningful artwork: Allegory of Memories 11:12 – Inside his creative process 14:42 – Biggest challenge as a Nigerian artist 18:02 – Future plans and dreams 18:53 – Advice to aspiring artists 21:27 – Why mentorship matters 22:00 – Final thoughts #art #artist #contemporaryart #figurativeart #blackartist #nigerianart #THECCART

Discover contemporary artists of African and Caribbean heritage. Artists Discover artists THE.CCART has collaborated with through our monthly spotlights, a curated series highlighting their practice, stories, and creative journeys. Each feature aims to amplify their visibility and connect their work to wider audiences across art and culture. Chrystabel Brittany Michael Fiscian Hassan Wasiu John Akande Omoyeni Arogunmati Gloria Mmaduako Muideen Abdulkadir Hammed Abolaji Oba Geordan Bouhom Olamilekan Okunade John Maina Damilola Ajegbomogun Teddy Mulundi Leykun Girma Amatullah Alhassan Tia Coker Baaba Sarpong Okafor Paschal Kenechukwu Dumbor Debeeh Arim Andrew Yvadney Davis David Awoleye Nana Osei Olamide Ogunade Olisco Eshinlokun Wasiu Subscribe to our newsletter Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

We pride ourselves on our commitment to discovering and showcasing talents by featuring artists of African and Caribbean heritage. About THE.CCART The Cultured Contemporary Art (THE.CCART) is a contemporary art platform and creative studio working across cultural storytelling, projects, and exhibitions, with a focus on artists of African and Caribbean heritage and their global diaspora. Founded by Kunbi Oshodi, THE.CCART was created to make contemporary art more accessible and culturally grounded, opening up space for artists and audiences beyond traditional art-world boundaries. Through digital features, interviews, and curated projects, the platform highlights artists and their work while creating opportunities for dialogue, visibility, and collaboration. Operating across both digital and physical spaces, THE.CCART develops exhibitions, cultural projects, and partnerships with artists and organisations. Its work explores identity, culture, and contemporary expression while expanding how art is encountered and shared. Subscribe to our newsletter Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

Monthly spotlights on three contemporary artists of African and Caribbean heritage. Monthly Spotlights Each month, THE.CCART spotlights artists shaping the future of contemporary art across Africa and its diaspora. Through interviews, features, and creative storytelling, we highlight their practice, perspective, and presence within today’s creative landscape. Chrystabel Brittany Discover Michael Fiscian Discover Past Monthly Spotlights Discover artists who’ve previously been part of our spotlight series, each bringing a unique perspective to contemporary art. View All Featured Artists Subscribe to our newsletter Email Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

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< Back Out of the Blue Out of the Blue is the first exhibition in THE.CCART's new chapter, where the artists whose stories we tell can now sell their work through us. In Mbulelo Lokoto's paintings, vivid colour stands out against everyday settings rendered in blue: corrugated iron, washing lines, roads and backyards. Dice, beer crates, a zebra, a vulture and a skull appear alongside his figures, details that reward a closer look. Every work is an original oil painting, available to collect. 01 — EXHIBITING ARTIST ● Click any piece to view details and enquire Mbulelo Lokoto Mbulelo Terrence Lokoto (b. 2000) is a Cape Town-based painter, born in East London, Eastern Cape. He studied at the Ruth Prowse School of Art, graduating with a Diploma in Fine Art specialising in painting. Drawn to art from early childhood, he set it aside when resources were limited, returning to painting nearly two decades later as a way to cope with severe depression. That intimate act of healing gives his paintings their psychological depth. In this selection, figures and objects in vivid colour stand out against everyday settings rendered in blue, with recurring details such as dice, beer crates and animals inviting a closer look. 02 — EXHIBITING ARTIST Previous Next

Learn more about the contemporary artist Emmie Nume. Emmie Nume Emmie Nume , a Ugandan artist from Kampala, creates expressive paintings and drawings that delve into raw emotion. With a focus on portraiture, his work combines freedom and depth, inviting viewers to explore themes of vulnerability and resilience. Using charcoal, pastels, and acrylics, Nume crafts narratives that resonate with the human experience, inviting audiences to reflect on life's complexities. Connect with the Artist