Sanjo Lawal

As a photographer and multidisciplinary artist living and working in Lagos, Nigeria, Lawal’s work is deeply influenced by his environment. Nigeria is inhabited by the largest demographic of diverse ethnic groups in Africa, with over 525 native languages spoken. His appreciation of Nigerian culture heightened his curiosity to experience and explore the vast nuance of cultural differences of the Nigerian people.

His particular artistic style and use of hues and highly contrasting colours came from the incorporation of his mother’s keen sensibility of colours, mirrored in the fabrics she wore and the flowers she cultivated in her garden. This influence can be seen in the new and recycled materials he uses in combination with photography, to create a raw realism that commands attention to his innovative craft, spirituality and structure.

Sanjo has been capturing and documenting scenes from his environment with his phone, having first explored and discovered art by scribbling, drawing, and painting on paper. For Lawal, every colour has a central detail, and every photograph has a story. His daily life and activities serve as additional inspiration, allowing him to mix paint colours with photography masterfully.

Sanjo Lawal studied at the Arts School in Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria. His photography approach is unique and characterised by bold colours, and contrast creative lighting with a strong emphasis on composition.

His pieces are a true representation of his creative and imaginative mind. He enjoys experimenting with different colours, textures, and lighting techniques to create a distinctive visual language that speaks to the audience. His photographs are more than just images captured by a camera - they reflect the soul and manifest thoughts and emotions.