As an artist, I am deeply inspired by the complexity of human emotion and the interplay between light and shadows in our everyday lives. My work draws from both personal experiences and universal themes of connection, isolation and transformation. I use a variety of mediums, from acrylic painting and charcoal to mixed media on canvas, to explore the subtle ways in which the human form interacts with its environment.
My work is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life, and more specifically, the traces left behind by time. The theme OLD SOUL is woven throughout my paintings as I explore stories, faces and objects that represent the passage of time. Through portraits and vintage objects, I aim to capture the quiet dignity and melancholic beauty of aging, and ways in which memories and history shape our identities. Each piece I create is a conversation with myself and my audience, I seek to evoke a sense of intimacy, inviting my audience to reflect on their own emotional experiences. My intention is to provide a space for memories and reliving every past moment of our lives. In my paintings, I use textures and layers to mirror the physical and emotional effects of time, whether it’s the weathered surface of an old building, the worn hands of the old people or the old settings of a living room. I embrace imperfections, cracks and wear as a means of honoring the passage of time, seeing them not as signs of decay, but as markers of a once lived and rich experience.
At the heart of my work is a belief in the power of art to connect us across time, culture and personal experiences. Through my exploration of form, color and texture, I hope to spark moments of recognition, where the viewer is confronted with both the beauty and vulnerability of the human condition. Likewise, my work invites the viewer to reflect on their own relationship with aging, memory and the legacy they leave behind. Each piece is a reminder that our past and our old lives are always with us, subtly influencing our present and future selves. Through this exploration, I hope to spark a sense of reverence for the histories we carry and an awareness of the impermanence that binds us all.
My name is Tope Alawaye, I was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. I’m also an artist based in Nigeria. I’m a 23 year old self taught artist and I have been practicing art as a profession since 2019. I work primarily with mediums like charcoal and acrylic paint on canvas and I have been using it as my style and signature since 2022.
