Spotlight Artist: Damilola Odusote

Born in London and raised in Tilbury Town, Essex, Nigerian Damilola moved to London in 2003, graduating from Camberwell College Of Arts three years later with a BA (Hons) in Illustration. Upon graduation, he embarked on a freelance career spanning copious art forms encompassing web design, graphic design, dance, fashion, fine art and, of course, illustration in to a vortex of creativity.

The work of artists like Dali and Picasso continue to rouse Damilola to work further in his own abstract approach. He makes a statement, not only in the subject matter of his paintings, but in his vigorous use of texture and particular brushstrokes to convey acute meaning and feeling to every image.

Damilola brings different elements and interest into his work to highlight not only questions in society but also things that people accept without thinking. He does this through using tiny, nameless and generic characters to personalise ideas.

Damilola Odusote - Here Stare

Damilola uses irony for turning reality on its head to convey an idea. He aims to encourage thought about the 'self'. His all or nothing nature comes out in his work. At times he conveys a stronger, clearer message using just black pen - no mistakes - no second chances. Everything that is, is. He believes his illustrations are more organic and grow on the surface as he produces them

Damilola’s inspirations lay in politics, race, fantasy and fiction and anything that he sees. He prefers the city buzz to the quieter suburban life of Tilbury as it provides him with ammunition. Damilola shows something so chaotic and complex to consume your thoughts. It’s a diary for the mind, similar to writing down every idea, thought and feeling to intertwine and play out like a story, where all loose ends are covered.

Damilola - TFL

To learn a bit more about Damilola, we had a short Q&A with him: 

Having lived in Essex and London, what are the main differences in the art world?

The Art world is full of creativity, breaks from the normal suburban life and the wants for the normal things...Car house, girlfriends etc..Most people are contempt with this. I Love seeing artists trying to push themselfs..

You say you are attracted to the buzz of the big city, how does that express itself in your art?

Any new experience, good or bad, I try to use in a positive way and try to channel this in to my art. I try to be aware of my surroundings and what other people’s reactions are, to capture this as well.

What is your favourite city?

Well London is my base. But New York is very cool. Berlin is very inspirational too

What is your favourite West London hangout?

Notting Hill Art Club... Cool place cool people

Finally, do you have an interesting fact for us? 

Erm... ant's don't really sleep. 

@Damilolaa