Taiwo Apampa
Taiwo is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Ottawa Canada. She is recognized for her portraits of Black women where she explores themes of culture, identity and representation. Her inspirations stem from her deep-rooted African heritage and its unique fashion elements. She grew up inspired by the African woman’s strength, beauty, richness of her brown skin and above all, the grace to look elegant and unscathed in midst of chaos; "this I want to share with the world".
Taiwo has exhibited her works at the Ottawa Art Gallery, The Black Visual Arts Exhibition (The Black London Project). She has collaborated with the London Arts Council on the London Arts Live project to entertain, educate and create cultural awareness through live art performances within the city of London, Ontario-Canada.
She was selected as a featured artist two years in a row - 2021 & 2022 at the UpWithArt / Unity Project annual fundraiser, where her artworks were auctioned and the proceeds directed towards the relief of homelessness in London, Ontario.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
The intention of the art that I create is to edify the Black woman; showcase her strength, beauty, and ability to remain elegant and unscathed in the face of challenges.
I also use art as a medium to document Yoruba history for my daughters, because in knowing their history- they can fall in love with themselves and grow up to be confident Black women.
I hope my art makes space, holds space and validates my girls, black girls and black women.
Taiwo is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Ottawa Canada. She is recognized for her portraits of Black women where she explores themes of culture, identity and representation. Her inspirations stem from her deep-rooted African heritage and its unique fashion elements. She grew up inspired by the African woman’s strength, beauty, richness of her brown skin and above all, the grace to look elegant and unscathed in midst of chaos; "this I want to share with the world".
Taiwo has exhibited her works at the Ottawa Art Gallery, The Black Visual Arts Exhibition (The Black London Project). She has collaborated with the London Arts Council on the London Arts Live project to entertain, educate and create cultural awareness through live art performances within the city of London, Ontario-Canada.
She was selected as a featured artist two years in a row - 2021 & 2022 at the UpWithArt / Unity Project annual fundraiser, where her artworks were auctioned and the proceeds directed towards the relief of homelessness in London, Ontario.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
The intention of the art that I create is to edify the Black woman; showcase her strength, beauty, and ability to remain elegant and unscathed in the face of challenges.
I also use art as a medium to document Yoruba history for my daughters, because in knowing their history- they can fall in love with themselves and grow up to be confident Black women.
I hope my art makes space, holds space and validates my girls, black girls and black women.
$2,724.00
Acrylic on canvas.
31.20x47.20"
IYOBA She is Queen.
This art piece is from the Royalty collection.
Iyoba is from the Edo kingdom in southern Nigeria - Western Africa. The Edo people make up one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and have a rich cultural heritage. The Edo Kingdom, also known as the Benin Kingdom, is located in present-day Edo State, Nigeria.
The position of the queen (known as the Iyoba in the Edo language) is incredibly important in Edo society. The queen is often considered the mother of the people and has ceremonial and administrative duties within the kingdom. She plays a significant role in the religious and political life of the Edo people.
One of the most famous Edo queens is Queen Idia, who lived during the 16th century. She was the mother of the Oba (king) Esigie and played a crucial role in his ascension to the throne. Queen Idia was known for her military and strategic skills and is often depicted wearing a unique headdress in Edo artwork.
Today, the Edo Nigerian queen continues to hold a position of prestige and influence within the Edo Kingdom. They participate in various cultural festivals, ceremonies, and events, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Edo people.
$2,450.00
Mixed media on canvas.
37.30x47.20"
Title: Ẹnìtàn
Year: 2022
Medium: Acrylic, beads and diamante on canvas
Size: 47.2” x 31.25” | 120 x 47.25 cm
SIGNATURE: Hand signed by Artist
SUBJECT: Yoruba Indigenous Names
STYLES: Contemporary
Original: One of a kind Artwork
Certificate of Authenticity Included
ARTIST STATEMENT
In Yoruba culture, the name given to a child is symbolic of their history or their destiny.
In the Yoruba culture, the name given to a child is symbolic of their history or their destiny.
E.N.I.T.A.N pronounced “Any-ton” means “A person of story, or a person with a history”. Everyone carries a story about.
Know the story, know the person.
What is your story?
Delicately infused in the Gèlè (Head wrap) and bodice of this art piece are over 2000 diamante crystals and beads.
$2,750.00
Mixed media on canvas.
31.30x47.20"
Title: Adaeze
Year: 2022
Medium: Acrylic, Semi-precious beads and stones on canvas
SIGNATURE: Hand signed by Artist
ARTIST STATEMENT
In the Igbo tribe from West Africa, the name given to a child is symbolic of the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth.
A.D.A.E.Z.E. (“Add-ay-zay”)
She is Royalty! The daughter of a King. She exudes excellence. First daughter of the clan.
"Adaeze" is a portrait artwork that delves into the essence of a name and the cultural heritage it encapsulates. In this piece, I explore the depth of identity, history, and the profound significance of one's name.
The name "Adaeze" is a name rooted in Igbo culture, a name that resonates with grace and nobility. "Adaeze" signifies a princess, one who is not only regal but also possesses a sense of leadership, inner strength, and beauty that transcends the physical.
In this portrait, I aim to capture the regality and timeless beauty of Adaeze, drawing upon the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people. The intricate details and symbolism within the artwork, such as traditional attire and accompanying elements, reflect the values and traditions that have shaped Adaeze's character and the countless others who bear this name.
Through "Adaeze," I invite viewers to contemplate the importance of names and the profound connection between identity, culture, and history. It is a celebration of not only the individual depicted but also a testament to the enduring legacy of cultural heritage and the beauty of a name that transcends time and borders.
$2,450.00
Mixed media on canvas.
31.30x47.25"
This painting is from the "Heritage collection".
In the Yoruba culture, the name given to a child is symbolic of their history or their destiny.
A.R.E.W.A. pronounced “Ah-reh-wa”
means “the beautiful one”.
She’s done being driven by the world’s definition of beauty.
Her confidence sprouts not just from her beauty, but is rooted in the wholesomeness of her being.
“Ọmọ tó rẹwà!”
$2,370.00
Mixed media on canvas.
36x48"
This artwork is from the "Royalty" Collection
Year: 2022
In Yoruba culture, the name given to a child is symbolic of their history or their destiny.
BAMIKE pronounced “Ba-me-care” means “help me cherish"
She is to be pampered
She is to be nurtured
She is delicate
She's a woman- Bamike
Artwork comes ready to hang.
$1,950.00
Acrylic on canvas.
31.25x47.20"
In Yoruba culture, the name given to a child is symbolic of their history or their destiny.
Adenike pronounced “Ah-day-knee-care” meaning “the crown needs to be taken care of”.
She is to be cared for.
To be pampered.
She’s all about the soft life.
She knows when to drop the ball and when to pick it back up again.
She understands REST.
Afterall, she is Adenike!
Artwork is READY TO HANG.
$1,950.00
Acrylic on canvas.
31.25x47.20"
A portrait of a Northern Nigerian bride showcasing the traditional and cultural elements that define her bridal attire and appearance. These elements include:
1. Traditional Clothing: The Northern Nigerian bride would typically wear a beautifully crafted traditional attire known as the Kamu or Kutijen which is made from high-quality hand woven fabric, adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments in vibrant colors such as red, gold, and royal blue.
2. Headgear: A significant part of the bride's ensemble is the elaborate headgear, known as a "Zalli or Gele," which is skillfully wrapped around her head. The gele is often made from a matching fabric and is intricately woven to create a stunning and elegant look.
3. Jewelry: The bride would wear a range of exquisite jewelry pieces, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. These jewelry pieces are traditionally made from gold and adorned with precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds, or pearls.
Artwork comes Ready to Hang!
$1,450.00
Mixed media on canvas.
16x20"
This artwork was created in the peak of covid in 2020. The two women in the painting symbolize the Strength, Beauty and Unity of Africa. Embedded in their geles (Head wraps) are 25 African flags representing the diverse countries and cultures in Africa, albeit unified in one common goal... Peace and Unity.
$1,950.00
Mixed media on canvas.
36x48"
ARTIST STATEMENT
In Yoruba culture, the name given to a child is symbolic of their history or their destiny.
E.N.I.O.L.A. pronounced “Any-aww-la” means “a child of wealth”.
Her arrival has brought wealth and prosperity into the family.
Artwork comes ready to hang!
$2,640.00
Mixed media on canvas.
36x48"
In Yoruba culture, the name given to a child is symbolic of their history/destiny.
A.B.I.O.Y.E. means “Born into Royalty”.
She is of the Royal Bloodline.
She is a Queen.
In a world where we are never enough, she has found rest in her “Queenship;
She’s done proving herself to the world.
She knows that she is enough.
Afterall, she is Abioye!
Artwork comes ready to hang!