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Wild Dreams

Joseph Ijoyemi

Joseph Ijoyemi is an Afro-Swedish contemporary artist living in London.He draws his inspiration from life experiences and conversations, so his work often contains a narrative. His work can be both figurative and abstract and uses various mediums such as video, sculptor and painting.

Joseph began his professional career as an artist in 2015 and one of his pieces was displayed at Angel tube station in the Art of Angel exhibition. Since then, he has taken part in various group exhibitions, including the National Maritime Museum and this helped him to find his feet as an artist. He held his first solo exhibition at 508 Gallery in King’s Rd Chelsea in 2018.

He recently completed his Master of Arts in Fine Art at UAL Central Saint Martins in 2023, where he honed his artistic skills and developed a profound understanding of the power of art in addressing social narratives and has expanded his practice to include sculpture, installation and multimedia He has recently been working on projects with organisations such as, Peabody, Woolwich Works, Lewisham Council in conjunction with Brown Jewel, Greenwich Council, My Runway Group pop-up store in Carnaby Street and RAW LABS.

In December 2020 he was part of a group exhibition online with Late at Tate Britain where he collaborated with Aleksander Nærbø making a short film called, Scandimorph.

Joseph is also a co-founder ofThe Collective Makers, an organisation helping young creatives in his community to connect, empower and providing mentorship.

Joseph Ijoyemi is an Afro-Swedish contemporary artist living in London.He draws his inspiration f...

"Wild Dreams" is a graduate project that looks into the intricate social issues surrounding the history of Nigeria. With a focus on second-generational migrations, restitutions, and the looting of the Benin artefacts, this project explores the Black experience and aims to retell the narrative from the past to the present in a somewhat fictional manner.

By doing so, it seeks to shed light on the complexities of these issues and provoke contemplation.

The project also highlights the story of second-generation individuals who return to Nigeria with a mission to rebuild, using new resources. It examines the challenges they face and the unique perspective they bring to the table as they strive to contribute to the country's development and restoration.

"Wild Dreams" merges elements of imagination and reality, incorporating various artistic mediums such as visual arts, installations, and sculptures. Through these creative expressions, the project aims to engage viewers in a thought-provoking and immersive experience that encourages reflection on the historical and contemporary realities of Nigeria.

Final work

Super Eagles

It investigates the concept of cultural exchange and the power of sport in fostering connections between Nigerians in the Diaspora and second-generation migrants. Through football, I explore how these communities can come together, bridging the gap between different generations and geographical locations, and strengthening their bond through shared heritage.

Revival Boats

Revival Boats. 2023

Medium: Alumbro Muntz metal plates removed from the bottom of the hull of the "Cutty Sark" in the course of repairs to the ship in 1963. Greenwich: The Cutty Sark Society, 1963. Folded into origami boats.

Size: Various

"Revival Boats" is a fleet of origami sculptured boats made from alumbro metal that responds to the experiences of second-generational migrants from Africa who choose to return to their ancestral land to rebuild and reconnect with their roots. The artwork explores the theme of revival, symbolising the resurgence of cultural identity, heritage, and community bonds.

Each or representing a personal journey of rediscovery and renewal. The boats serve as powerful symbols of resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of those who embark on this transformative return.

It aims to reflect on the significance of reclaiming cultural identity, restoring communal ties, and contributing to the revitalisation and growth of African communities. It also aims to rethink the slave history from the past to the present.

"Revival Boats" celebrates the courage and determination of second-generational migrants who choose to rebuild their lives in Africa, seeking to heal historical wounds and forge a path towards a brighter future. It offers a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and resilience of individuals and communities, as they navigate the complexities of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of a sense of home.

Free the Obas Series. 2023

Medium: Acrylic and Screen Print on un Stretched Canvas

Size: 95x70cm

By merging these two potent symbols, I aim to make a profound statement about reclaiming cultural heritage and challenging the historical injustices associated with the looting and appropriation of Benin artefacts. The statue of law and justice, traditionally representing principles of fairness and equity, which serves as a visual metaphor for the institutions that currently possess these artefacts.

Travel Back. 2023

Medium: Acrylic, charcoal, pastels and metal on wood panels.

Size:122x94 cm

The work is about how second-generation migrants who choose to return to Nigeria are playing a vital role in the country's progress and development. By bringing back their skills, knowledge, and experiences gained abroad, they contribute to building a better Nigeria.

Research and process

CSM Postgraduate Degree Process

This shows clips from the Vestibule: Lethaby Gallery in January 2023 Exhibition, documenting the public’s reaction to the “Free The Trapped”. It also shows snippets of the making of “Free the Obas Series” using screen printing and creating the artworks from Photoshop and Illustrator. Towards the end of the video, I shared the working progress of both of my works “Home Coming” and my “Untitled” sculpture. Unfortunately, both works are unavailable to show at the studio however my maquette of the sculpture will be available to see as well as the “Revival” boats will be at the studio.

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Wild Dreams

"Wild Dreams" is a graduate project that looks into the intricate social issues surrounding the history of Nigeria. With a focus on second-generational migrations, restitutions, and the looting of the Benin artefacts, this project explores the Black experience and aims to rete...

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