Tolu Raymond

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born and still resides, Tolu Raymond’s artistic journey began with childhood doodles that evolved into a deep passion for painting. His time at Yaba College of Technology’s art school was pivotal, shaping his creative direction and grounding his practice in diverse techniques and mediums. Initially drawn to realism, Tolu’s style has since blossomed into a synergy of realism, abstraction, and pop culture, enriched with African patterns that connect deeply to his heritage.

Tolu's works explore themes of human relationships, youth, religion, African culture, and societal issues, weaving personal narratives with universal truths. His creative process starts digitally, sourcing references and building compositions before translating them to canvas with charcoals, acrylics, pastels, and spray paints. Each piece is a victory, a form of escape that brings joy, relief, and a sense of closeness to his Creator, reflecting the beauty and divinity of the world.

For Tolu, art is not just a means of expression but a pathway to spirituality and connection. Through his pieces, he hopes viewers are reminded of the Creator, just as he is when creating. Every new work becomes a favorite—a testament to his ever-evolving artistic journey.