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Tobiloba Fasalejo (b. 2000, Ondo State, Nigeria) is a Nigerian painter and storyteller who uses his canvas to reexamine his world, filled with experiences, exploring an uninterrupted plaster on the faces of his subjects achieved by a well-placed brush and his finger-painted backgrounds, constantly dealing with themes of emotion, perseverance, relationships, hard work, and societal structures from the family to his world.
He was featured in the Unbound Group Exhibition, curated by Thadde of TewasArt Gallery Nairobi. The exhibition featured 15 portrait and figurative artists working and living on the continent. He speaks to TewasArt Africa about his love for portraiture and figurative art, his creative process, and his inspiration. Enjoy!
TewasArt Africa: You have interesting titles; for instance, why Mama’s Shoes and Artist Decide for these lovely pieces.
Tobiloba Fasalejo: In “Artist Decide,” I’m declaring my conscious choice to be an artist and to channel my life experiences, thoughts, and emotions into my artwork. This title reflects my commitment to using colour and canvas to explore and share the intellectual and emotional growth I’ve gained. I aim not just to create but to be a force for positive change and love in the world, akin to the calla lilies that strive for greatness and relevance. “Artist Decide” encapsulates my dedication to art and my mission to connect with and inspire others.
“Mama’s Shoes” is a tribute to my mother and the profound impact she’s had on my life. It’s not about her physical shoes, but rather an expression of my deep admiration and respect for her. I want to step into her role, understand the world from her perspective, and embrace her qualities as a role model, source of love, and problem solver. It reflects my aspiration to follow in her footsteps, not only out of respect but also to contribute to my family and society. It’s a heartfelt expression of my admiration and love for my mother and the values she’s instilled in me.
These titles reveal the depth of my artistic and personal journey, highlighting my determination to make a positive impact and the inspiration I draw from my experiences and family.
TewasArt Africa: Your subjects seem to be in deep thought and very fashionable; what’s your experience with fashion? And what impression do you want the pieces to leave?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: My subjects often reflect deep thought and fashion because fashion has been an integral part of my life and family heritage. I’ve been surrounded by the art of tailoring and fashion for generations, with my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all involved in this field. This rich heritage has naturally influenced my artistic vision.
I have a genuine passion for fashion, and it’s more than just clothing; it’s a form of self-expression and storytelling. Through my art, I aim to capture the essence of fashion, not just as a visual statement but as a reflection of one’s personality, culture, and emotions.
The impression I want my pieces to leave is one of elegance, depth, and the ability of fashion to convey a range of emotions and stories. I want viewers to connect with the subjects, their thoughts, and the way they express themselves through fashion. Ultimately, I hope my art evokes a sense of appreciation for the beauty and power of fashion as a means of self-expression and a testament to our cultural heritage.
TewasArt Africa: How do you decide the subjects you paint? Who are these people? Any personal connection?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: The subjects I paint are a blend of faces from my imagination and real people who are often close to me. I draw inspiration from individuals I know, and I also work with models to illustrate my concepts more effectively and to tell a richer and more relatable story. These subjects may not always be direct representations of specific individuals, but they embody a collective essence drawn from the people and the diverse stories I’ve encountered in my life. This amalgamation of real and imagined faces allows me to create art that is both emotionally resonant and artistically expressive.
TewasArt Africa: Where were you born and raised? And where are you based?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: I was born and raised in Ondo State, Nigeria, and I have deep roots in this region. Currently, I am based in the local city of Ondo, where I work on my art and draw inspiration from the rich culture and experiences of this place.
TewasArt Africa: When did you first know you could paint? Any early childhood art development? Any formal training or workshops you’ve attended, or any mentors?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: I discovered my ability to paint at a very young age, during my early childhood. I vividly remember freely using colors to draw and paint on the walls, creating various figures and cartoons. This experience ignited my love for putting colors together and laid the foundation for my artistic journey.
As for my formal training, I pursued my passion by attending university, where I received the education and guidance needed to develop my artistic skills. Additionally, I engaged in workshops that allowed me to further refine my craft, particularly in painting realism and incorporating figures into my abstract works.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who inspired and guided me. These mentors, along with the people in my environment who appreciated my work and shared their insights, have played a significant role in shaping my artistic vision and helping me grow as an artist.
TewasArt Africa: Did you start with portraits or figurative art, or have you explored different mediums?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: I started with different mediums of painting, creating abstracts, figures, and a variety of styles all at once. However, as I realized the power of storytelling in my art, I began incorporating portraits more vividly into my work and occasionally ventured into figurative art. Presently, my choice of medium depends on what will convey my story most effectively. While I initially explored various techniques, I’ve always been driven by the goal of telling compelling stories through my art.
Tobiloba Fasalejo: My inspiration comes from diverse sources, and I strive to create art that resonates not only with me but also with a global audience, enabling people to connect with my message. Before I start painting, I begin with my imagination and thoughts that I sketch and put into writing. I then seek out individuals or models who can embody these concepts. I photographed them to use as references for my work.
The canvas, colors, and acrylic medium are prepared, and I start painting. Throughout this process, I give my work the time it needs to communicate its message directly to me. I aim for flexibility in my art, allowing it to guide me.
My colour palette varies, with vibrant or warm colors chosen depending on the themes and figures in my paintings. My narrative expression is deeply personal, drawing from my experiences as an African and as an individual, reflecting my society and the experiments I undertake in my art.
TewasArt Africa: Many people in Nairobi resonated with your work, how does that make you feel showing in Nairobi?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: Exhibiting my work in Nairobi and hearing about the positive resonance among the people there is an incredibly rewarding experience. It fills me with a sense of pride and gratitude. Knowing that my art connects with the people of Nairobi and touches their hearts, even though I am not physically present at the exhibition, is a humbling and enriching feeling.
Nairobi is a vibrant and culturally diverse city, and the fact that my art has found a place within its artistic community is a source of motivation and inspiration for me. It encourages me to continue creating and sharing my work with a global audience, as art has a remarkable ability to transcend borders and connect people from different backgrounds.
Ultimately, the positive response in Nairobi motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of my art and exploring new ways to express my narratives, hoping to reach and resonate with even more people around the world.
TewasArt Africa: Which other shows have you been part of recently?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: I’ve recently been part of the following exhibitions: Uncovering What’s Hidden – a virtual exhibition hosted by Vav Art Gallery. Unusual Assets is a virtual group exhibition featured on Artsy, presented by Taag Gallery. It is a regional exhibition as part of the Life in My City Art Festival, held in Ondo State, Nigeria.
TewasArt Africa: Any advice to artists interested in portrait and figurative art?
Tobiloba Fasalejo: Portrait and figurative painting have a timeless place in the art world. They connect deeply with human emotions and stories, offering a lasting impact. I wholeheartedly encourage artists to explore this genre as it transcends trends, creating meaningful connections with viewers. It’s a powerful way to capture and share the essence of the human experience.