Sejiro Avoseh: A Voice From Nigeria Through Assemblage

Sejiro Avoseh (born 1990) occupies a prominent position within the landscape of contemporary Nigerian art, establishing himself as an innovator who merges abstract human figures with repurposed automotive components—a striking juxtaposition that powerfully communicates social critique and artistic ingenuity. Based in Essex, United Kingdom, Avoseh’s oeuvre transcends mere visual representation; it constitutes an urgent interrogation of challenges confronting his homeland and serves as a testament to the transformative potential inherent in collage techniques. His artistic trajectory commenced with formal training at Lagos State Polytechnic, culminating in a Higher National Diploma in Creative Arts. Subsequently, he pursued postgraduate studies at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury, Kent, England, refining his skillset across painting and mixed media disciplines. This dual grounding furnishes an invaluable understanding of Avoseh’s artistic vision—a perspective shaped by both academic rigor and experiential observation. Early Influences: Avoseh's fascination with assemblage took root during his formative years, absorbing inspiration from Dadaist and Surrealist movements – artists who boldly challenged conventions through unorthodox materials and processes. These influences permeate his artistic practice, prioritizing conceptual depth over superficial aesthetics. He admires the rebellious spirit of figures like Marcel Duchamp and Giorgio Morandi, recognizing their ability to provoke thought and disrupt established norms. Technique & Material Exploration: Avoseh’s distinctive style revolves around meticulously crafted montages constructed from painstakingly selected cut-out magazines and newspapers. With unwavering precision, he chooses images—often depicting human forms—and integrates them seamlessly with discarded automotive parts. This deliberate incorporation of found objects elevates the artwork beyond a simple depiction, transforming it into an investigation into materiality and its symbolic resonance. The resulting textured surfaces and layered narratives reflect Avoseh’s preoccupation with exploring how materials communicate ideas and emotions. Themes & Conceptual Concerns: At the core of Avoseh's artistic endeavors lies a profound engagement with social justice issues endemic to Nigeria. His artworks confront corruption, inequity, and abuses of power perpetrated by governmental officials—subjects addressed with uncompromising honesty and artistic sensitivity. Through his visual language, he strives to ignite dialogue and inspire transformative action. He draws inspiration from artists like Kara Walker and Ai Weiwei, whose work confronts uncomfortable truths about societal structures and challenges viewers to reconsider their perspectives. Recognition & Critical Acclaim: Avoseh gained considerable recognition in 2018 when he was listed as one of “18 Nigerian young visual artists under 30 to follow” by art critic Jess Castellote—a commendation that underscores the burgeoning appreciation for experimental artistic voices originating from Africa. His work has subsequently been featured prominently across international publications including Le Monde, Financial Times, Google Arts & Culture and Daily Trust. Furthermore, he participated in notable art fairs such as FNB Art Joburg (2019) and Art Dubai (2020), solidifying his position within the global contemporary art arena. His artworks are currently showcased on WahooArt.com and other platforms, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into his distinctive artistic vision—a vision rooted in both personal experience and a commitment to addressing pressing social concerns.