In the world of contemporary art, women continue to break new ground, pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Through their unique techniques and diverse mediums, from painting to digital art and mixed media, these female artists are making powerful statements about identity, culture, and society.

Let’s take a look at some exceptional women who are reshaping the art world.

Ayobola Kekere-Ekun: Paper as a Storytelling Medium

Ayobola Kekere-Ekun, a Nigerian artist, has become known for her intricate quilling work. This technique involves rolling and shaping strips of paper to create stunning compositions. For Ayobola, paper becomes a powerful storytelling tool. 

Her work tackles heavy themes such as gender, memory, and trauma, and she uses quilling to bring these themes to life in a unique, tactile way.

One of her most impressive pieces is The Conservatory (2024). Using paper strips, fabric, and acrylics, the mixed-media work explores resilience and fragility, capturing the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. Ayobola’s art continues to receive global recognition, with exhibitions in London, Los Angeles, and Japan.

Joanna Macgregor

Joanna Macgregor, also known by her artist name Adevie, pushes the boundaries of creativity through her ink-based artworks. Known for bold, flowing lines, her work explores complex emotions and thought patterns. 

Joanna often incorporates diverse materials, including textiles and paints, creating dynamic pieces that challenge traditional notions of form and structure.

Her work on Instagram showcases an evolving style, with each piece offering a new opportunity to explore rhythm, repetition, and philosophical themes. Through her experimentation, Joanna continually expands the possibilities of artistic expression.

Shaibu-Salami Ashiata: Finding Freedom in Art

Shaibu-Salami Ashiata is a contemporary artist whose work speaks to themes of freedom and perspective. Raised in Ibadan and influenced by her experiences in writing, music, and travel, her art combines impasto, sponging, collage, and transfer techniques.

This diverse mix of methods allows her to explore interconnectedness, transformation, and the human experience in unexpected ways.

One of her standout works, Living Green (2022), uses paper transfers and acrylics on canvas. The textured layers evoke a sense of growth and change, highlighting how art can be a reflection of life’s ongoing transformations.

Oniosun Victoria: Take on Impressionism

Oniosun Victoria is an impressionist painter who has made a name for herself by blending the old and the new. Her artwork takes inspiration from traditional impressionist techniques but gives them a modern twist. 

Using acrylics and oils, she focuses on light, contrast, and texture, often with flat, unblended layers of color. Her technique, known as “broken color,” brings a fresh energy to classic impressionism.

One of her standout works is Sitting Pretty IV (2023). It showcases her unique approach, capturing everyday life with vibrant color placements and structured brushstrokes. The piece keeps a sense of movement, showing that even the most everyday moments can be filled with energy and life.

Tejumola Animashaun

Tejumola Animashaun is a Lagos-based artist who uses ink and watercolor to explore personal identity. Her expressive portraiture often delves into the complexities of womanhood and self-perception. 

Whether working with traditional or digital mediums, Tejumola’s art is a deep reflection of her own experiences, as well as the broader themes of identity and individuality.

Her 2024 piece Omolere, a digital art composition, beautifully blends spontaneous mark-making with deliberate structure. Through this artwork, Tejumola invites the viewer into a deeply personal journey of self-reflection and discovery.