16-year-old visual artist Onikepo Soyinka recently debuted her collection at the Lagos Fringe Festival, garnering admiration and acclaim from art enthusiasts at the Freedom Park Hall. Representing a new wave of fearless and expressive creatives, she displayed dozens of artworks that showcased her intellectual abilities beyond her years.
In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, Onikepo Soyinka shared insights into her creative process, beginnings, and inspirations behind her art. “Art has always been a vital part of my life, strongly supported by my family and teachers,” she said. “Without their resources and encouragement, pursuing visual art wouldn’t have been possible for me.”
Reflecting on her artistic journey, she revealed, “I’ve been involved in various art forms from a young age—art, theatre, writing—to express myself. Painting became a significant focus for me in year 10, where I began experimenting with diverse techniques. I realised my passion for art aligned with my interest in social justice and activism, shaping my artistic expression beyond school boundaries.”
Inspired by her surroundings and personal background, Soyinka’s exhibition encompassed diverse themes. “My artworks delve into gender roles in Nigerian culture, emphasising both positive and negative aspects. For instance, I explore the positive cultural significance of hairdressing, symbolising a generational connection among women, juxtaposed with the negative societal pressures enforcing gender stereotypes,” she explained.
With a critical and thought-provoking approach, Soyinka stressed the need to challenge existing norms and stereotypes that hinder women’s progress in Nigerian and African societies. “There’s a lot of weight placed on womanhood in our society, and certain norms hinder our progress. I use my art as a medium to challenge these notions,” she elaborated.
The exhibition prominently features motifs like crows, symbolising judgement, justice, or death. Soyinka intelligently employs these motifs throughout her collection to convey deeper societal messages, inviting reflection and conversation on pertinent issues.
Recognizing her innate talent from an early age, Onikepo’s parents, while not confirming her relationship to Nobel Peace Prize winner Prof. Wole Soyinka, acknowledged her exceptional artistic prowess. Their support and encouragement have nurtured her unique creative abilities, setting her apart as a young prodigy in the art world.
