Joseph Ijoyemi is a Swedish-Nigerian artist based in London, whose work navigates the intricate layers of cultural heritage, migration, social issues, and identity. Rooted in both figurative and abstract styles, his art draws from personal experiences and employs diverse materials and imagery to weave compelling narratives. A graduate of Central Saint Martins with an MA in Fine Art (2023), Joseph places archives at the heart of his practice, using them as a springboard to reimagine and retell stories from fresh perspectives.
Joseph’s talent has not gone unnoticed. He’s the recipient of the Helen Scott Lidgett Award and was shortlisted for the Evening Standard Prize. His pieces have been showcased in group exhibitions, including the prestigious New Contemporaries 2023.
Joseph’s art goes beyond galleries. He’s worked on community-based projects, like a mural for Peabody in Thamesmead called Believe and Achieve, which connected with local people and gave them a sense of pride. He also created Sovereign Strength and Ancestral Thrones, an installation for the Royal Museums Greenwich, which focused on reclaiming African history and challenging colonial narratives.
As a co-founder of The Collective Makers, Joseph supports young creatives, helping them find their voice. His work also dives deep into his Nigerian roots, using traditional methods like wood carving and bronze casting to explore the complexities of dual identity. His project Connection and Disconnection, supported by the Arts Council’s Develop Your Creative Practice grant, combined Swedish and Nigerian craft techniques to reflect his mixed heritage.
Joseph was recently awarded the MEAD Fellowship at UAL for his project Tracing Roots: Exploring Nigerian Heritage Through Ondo’s Treasures. This project involved working with local artisans in Nigeria to explore traditional crafts like blacksmithing and goldsmithing, while blending these practices with contemporary art. His focus on preserving Nigerian culture while addressing issues of identity remains central to his work.
Joseph’s fascination with history and the African diaspora has led to collaborations with museums globally. Among his notable works is the use of Alumbro Metal from the Cutty Sark’s hull, provided by the National Maritime Museum, to craft origami boats symbolising migration. This unique material also features in his sculptures and installations, addressing themes of Black identity and the African experience.
Recently, Joseph has ventured into sound art, blending recordings and samples to create rhythms that resonate with his exploration of archives and cultural memory. His multifaceted approach to art underscores a dedication to storytelling, innovation, and cultural reflection, marking him as a dynamic presence on the contemporary art scene.
Through his art, Joseph wants to provoke thought around issues like cultural restitution, heritage, migration, and identity. His work creates immersive experiences that challenge people to rethink societal norms and engage with the diverse world we live in. Joseph’s latest projects, inspired by his trips to Nigeria and Sweden, continue to push these conversations forward, with new sculptures, multimedia works, and sound performances that offer fresh perspectives on the African diaspora and the connections that bind us all.