A Conversation with Tolu Raymond: Bridging Realism, Abstraction, and African Culture
Time to read 5 min
A Conversation with Tolu Raymond: Bridging Realism, Abstraction, and African Culture
The vibrant art of Tolu Raymond skillfully blends realism, pop culture, and abstraction, intertwined with the rich patterns of African culture. This fusion creates a surrealistic atmosphere in his works. A Lagos-based artist and graduate of Yaba College of Technology, Tolu’s work conveys deeply personal narratives while challenging contemporary perceptions of African creativity. Through his thoughtful compositions and mastery of diverse mediums, Tolu has emerged as a rising voice in modern African art. In this interview, he shares his artistic journey, creative process, and vision for the future.
A Journey Rooted in Lagos and African Heritage
Tolu Raymond’s artistic story begins in Lagos, Nigeria. His decision to pursue art professionally took shape during his high school years, when his family noticed his exceptional talent and encouraged him to develop it further. This encouragement led him to Yaba College of Technology, a hub for artistic exploration in Nigeria.
Q1. Your artistic journey began in the vibrant cultural landscape of Lagos at a young age. How did your early experiences with drawing and storytelling shape your passion for art?
Answer: “Growing up in Lagos, I was constantly surrounded by creative energy and cultural richness, which became the backdrop for my artistic journey. My family recognized my talent during high school and encouraged me to develop it further, which gave me the confidence to take art seriously.
Q2. In what ways did art school help you refine and expand your creative expression?
Answer: "Being in art school then helped me navigate my interests in the arts. It was there I realized how vast and layered the world of art could be, and it gave me the tools to express myself fully. However, my artistic roots go back even further. As a child, I spent countless hours drawing and scribbling, initially dreaming of becoming a cartoonist. These early experiments laid the foundation for a lifelong passion, which art school later helped me refine.”
Inspiration and Artistic Influences
Tolu’s work is uniquely his own, but his recent admiration for artists like Zoey Frank and Njideka Akunyili Crosby has shaped his evolving style. These artists intrigue him for their innovative use of mediums, storytelling techniques, and ability to blend cultural narratives seamlessly. Tolu shares:
Q2. How have other artists inspired you?
Answer: "I’ve always had a bias against studying other artists’ work, but lately, I’ve been inspired by how they combine different elements to create something extraordinary. It’s not about replicating their work but learning from their process and adaptability."
This openness to new influences has enriched Tolu’s art, blending his cultural roots with global perspectives. His admiration for these artists has encouraged him to experiment with his approach, creating compositions that feel both familiar and fresh.
A Fusion of Styles and Techniques
Q4. Your style has evolved from traditional realism to a fusion of different techniques and cultural influences. What inspired this shift, and how do African patterns and motifs play a role in shaping your artistic identity?
Answer: "As I grew as an artist, I wanted my work to feel more personal and connected to my heritage. African patterns and motifs became a natural part of that evolution—they allow me to tell deeper stories and bring a sense of cultural identity into my pieces."
Q5. How would you describe your style in one sentence?
Answer: "I would say a synergy between realism, pop culture, abstraction and my African heritage. This really gives me the freedom to create something uniquely mine while honoring the traditions that inspire me."
Q6. With your style being this fusion, what materials and techniques do you use to bring this vision to life?
Answer: "I work with a variety of materials, including charcoals, acrylics, pastels, and spray paints. Each medium allows me to achieve different textures and moods, whether it's the softness of charcoal for depth or the boldness of spray paint for energy. My creative process starts with sourcing references—photographs, sketches, or moments from daily life—which I then develop into a digital composition. Layering elements thoughtfully helps me build a story before transferring it onto canvas, ensuring that every detail contributes to the narrative."
Exploring Themes of Culture, Memory, and Spirituality
Q7. What themes do you explore in your art, and what inspires you to focus on them?
Answer: "My art explores themes that resonate deeply with me, such as human relationships, youthfulness, religion, African culture, and societal issues. These themes come from both my observations of the world around me and my own introspections on life. I want my work to spark conversations and connect with people on a personal level."
Q8. Can you share an artwork that holds deep personal significance to you? What inspired it, and what emotions or messages do you hope to convey through it?
Answer: "One particularly personal piece I created was a tribute to my late mother—an experience that was both challenging and cathartic. Through this work, I aimed to honor her memory while processing my own emotions. Moving forward, I intend to create a body of work that’ explores my faith and intimate moments of my childhood. These pieces will not only tell my story but also connect with others who might see parts of their own experiences reflected in them."
Q9. Beyond being a form of expression, you’ve described art as a spiritual journey. How does creating art help you navigate your inner world and connect with something greater?
Answer: "Art is a means of escape for me. Completing a piece feels like a victory over a battle in my mind. It’s about channeling all the chaos inside and transforming it into something meaningful. And in that process, I feel closer to the Creator, the ultimate artist of this beautiful world. I hope that people also feel or remember the Creator when they see my work, just as creating draws me closer to Him. It’s a reminder of the beauty and intricacy of the world we live in."
Career Highlights and Future Aspirations
Tolu’s artistic journey is marked by growth, experimentation, and a deep commitment to his craft. Over the years, he has participated in several local exhibitions, where his work has received both critical acclaim and personal validation. He recounts one memorable experience:
Q10. Can you share a memorable experience from an exhibition where your art deeply connected with a viewer? How did that moment shape your perspective on the impact of your work?
Answer: "There was an exhibition where one of my pieces resonated deeply with an art enthusiast. She shared how it reminded her of their own story, and that connection made me realize the power of art to bridge gaps and create understanding."
Looking to the future, Tolu is eager to create a deeply personal series that captures the essence of his faith and childhood memories. He is also exploring potential collaborations with other artists and platforms that align with his vision of storytelling through art. His ultimate goal is to keep pushing boundaries while staying true to his cultural roots.
Q11. What are your future artistic goals, and how do you plan to balance experimentation with staying true to your cultural roots?
Answer: "I want to keep experimenting and pushing boundaries while staying true to my cultural roots. There’s so much to explore, and I’m excited about where this journey will take me."
Conclusion: Celebrating the Vision of Tolu Raymond
Tolu Raymond’s art is a testament to the evolving narrative of contemporary African creativity. By blending realism, abstraction, and cultural heritage, he offers viewers a window into his world—a place where personal stories and universal themes collide. His work challenges perceptions and invites us to see African art as a dynamic force shaping the global art scene.
At Artatunity, we are proud to showcase Tolu’s creations and support his journey as an artist. Explore his collection to discover art that tells a story, challenges perceptions, and inspires new perspectives.