Master of Air…Nike Signs Nigerian Visual Artist Laolu Senbanjo

After Oresegun Olumide blew up the internet last week, it only felt right that we pay more attention to talented Nigerians who are doing great work. Laolu Senbanjo, a visual artist and new Nike signee is one…

 

If you’re wondering what the relationship is between sneakers and art, Nike says Laolu who draws inspiration from his Yoruba heritage and global travels, will be creating art, incorporating his love for Air Max, New York City, and sports.

 

Yeah…That doesn’t make a lot of sense does it? So let’s take a look at who Laolu Senbanjo is.

 

Born and raised in Ilorin, Nigeria, Laolu who is a trained lawyer, ditched Law to become a full-time artist. The self-taught visual artiste has successfully  found expression in a form of art called, Afromysterics, a term he coined in 2007, which means, the mystery of the African thought pattern.

While the meaning behind his art might be too complex for the non-art enthusiast, Laolu uses meduims that every one can relate to, e.g. fashion. By making hand-painted fashion items like shoes clothese etc, he makes his art accessible to everyone.

See the gallery below for some of his creations.

And as is true to art, Laolu also finds expression through music. According to him,

Musically I am influenced by the likes of Fela Kuti, Sade, and King Sunny Ade.  Artistically I am often compared to Twin Seven-Seven.

I try very hard to balance both my passions of Art and Music. Yet, since they are so intertwined it’s difficult for me to separate the two. Currently, I divide my time between Nigeria and Brooklyn, New York.

Still not wowed? Read more on this artistic genius here.

Watch him create his hand-painted sneakers below: