Introduction:
Reuben Ayodeji is a full-time studio artist whose creative journey began with comic book sketches and a passion for storytelling. Coming from a lineage of artists, he found his way into fine art through mentorship and formal study, eventually discovering a unique voice grounded in portraiture, emotion, and expressive texture. Today, his practice is defined by thick layers, intuitive strokes, and a compelling ability to communicate personal and collective truths through art.
Artist Bio:
Reuben Ayodeji is a Nigerian visual artist whose works center around personal storytelling and cultural memory. A graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic's Art Design Department, he specializes in acrylics, oils, and charcoal. His artworks have been exhibited both locally and internationally, including shows in the United States and Switzerland, and have been featured at Mydrim Gallery Art Fair and Chameleon Shoppes in downtown Minneapolis. Reuben is also a member of Artwest Art House, an initiative supporting West African artists through global exhibitions and art sales.
Exhibitions:
Mydrim Gallery Art Fair (Nigeria)
High-End Contemporary African Art in the Heart of the City, Chameleon Shoppes (Minneapolis, USA)
International features via Artwest Art House (Switzerland and more)
Q and A Segment with Reuben Ayodeji
Q1. Can you walk us through your journey into art? When did you first realize this was your path?
A: My journey into art began with a childhood fascination for drawing comics, particularly Supa Strikas characters. Back then, it was pure fun. I had no idea that those early sketches were laying the foundation for something greater. I never planned to study art formally, but life had its own way of guiding me. Over the years, I found myself immersed in the discipline, learning through experience, working under various mentors, and refining my skills. Today, art feels less like a choice and more like a calling, something I can’t walk away from even if I tried. It has become a way of life.
Q2. Your works carry deep emotional textures. What draws you to this style of painting?
A: I am especially drawn to texture. It is what gives my work its character and emotional weight. There is something deeply satisfying about the rough textures I create with paint; they reflect not only my technique but also my personality and sensibility. I also work intentionally with color, selecting palettes that speak to how I feel and what I want to express. I have found that my pieces often invite viewers to pause, even for just a moment. There is usually something that catches the eye, something that demands to be felt as much as seen.
Q3. Why the palette knives and brushes? What story do they allow you to tell that other tools do not?
A: I love working with palette knives. They give me a freedom that brushes sometimes cannot. With a knife, I can achieve unexpected strokes, layered textures, and spontaneous effects that bring the canvas to life. It is less about control and more about flow, which allows me to explore new possibilities with every piece.
Title: 1
Click to buy:
https://tribbbal.com/post/125002_1.html
Q4. Is there a particular piece that feels especially significant to your journey? What was the inspiration behind it?
A: To me, every piece I create, past, present, or future is part of a larger journey. Each one is like a puzzle piece, helping me understand myself and the world a little better. Even the pieces that did not turn out as expected have played a role in shaping the artist I am becoming. Nothing is wasted.
Q5. Your subjects often appear suspended between vulnerability and strength. How intentional is this emotional contrast in your art?
A: My art is a visual journal. Through it, I share parts of my life, the highs, the challenges, and the spaces in between. Every artwork is like an episode in an ongoing story, unfolding with time. It is my way of inviting people in, showing them how I process experiences and emotions that often go unspoken.
Q6. Talk us through your creative process from the initial idea to the final stroke.
A: My process varies depending on the inspiration. Some pieces begin with a sketch—an idea I have been thinking about that needs to take form. Other times, I go straight to the canvas and let the piece evolve naturally. I am often guided by a color scheme that sets the tone, and once I commit to it, I build everything else around that visual mood.
Title: 2
Click to buy:
https://tribbbal.com/post/125003_2.html
Q7. What challenges come with working in acrylic and heavy textures, and how do you embrace them?
A: Acrylic paint is my medium of choice, but it comes with its own challenges; mainly its quick drying time and semi-transparency. Over the years, I have developed a few techniques to work around that. Sometimes, I will keep my palette active for a full day, occasionally misting the paint with water to preserve its texture and flexibility. It is a delicate balance, but I enjoy the challenge because it keeps me sharp.
Q8. Your portraits seem to speak without words. What do you hope viewers take away emotionally from your work?
A: As I mentioned earlier, every piece of art I create is tied to my personal story. And even though it is my story, I believe others can find parts of themselves in it. That is the beauty of art. It connects us through shared emotions, struggles, and moments. I hope those who encounter my work feel seen in some way.
Q9. You have exhibited your work in both Nigeria and abroad. What have those experiences meant to you and how have they shaped your career?
Exhibitions are more than just displays to me. They are opportunities to share my perspective with the world. Each one allows me to tell a part of my story visually, to connect with people across different backgrounds. The international recognition I have received so far has been encouraging. It reminds me that what I am doing matters and motivates me to keep going.
Title: 3
Click to buy:
https://tribbbal.com/post/125004_3.html
Q10. Looking forward, what ideas are you excited to explore in your upcoming works?
I am grateful to keep sharing my story through art, and I am even more excited for what is ahead. There are still so many episodes to unfold, so many ideas I am eager to bring to life. I look forward to continuing this journey and sharing every step of it with those around me.
Conclusion:
Reuben Ayodeji does not just paint; he listens, remembers, and translates emotion into texture. His art does not demand attention; it earns it through honesty and depth. Each piece becomes a quiet witness to struggle, growth, and healing. In a world often rushing to define meaning, Reuben’s work invites us to slow down and feel our way through the unspoken. His evolving story, told in thick strokes and bold silences reminds us that sometimes, the deepest truths are found not in what we say, but in what we choose to reveal.
To learn more about Reuben Ayodeji, please visit his profile:
