Nicole Adesunloye

Inspired by the vibrant culture and rich traditions of Cuban music, this piece aims to capture the sense of community and celebration through a lively drumming circle. I wanted to reflect the dynamic energy of Cuban drums, known for their captivating rhythms and ability to unite people through music.

With inspiration drawn from an old portrait photograph of my mum. Becoming captures her adorned in a gele, a traditional Yoruba headwrap that stands as a powerful symbol of identity and pride. I've exaggerated the colour red for the gele, as it evokes its spiritual vitality, a colour of life force, courage, and renewal. Through bold brushstrokes and luminous contrasts, the piece transforms the gele into a visual metaphor for resilience and transformation.

Inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz, this piece explores rhythm, movement and the connection between musicians through expressive colour and gesture. At the centre, a female lead singer performs into the microphone, surrounded by fluid forms that emerge from behind her, evoking the movement of sound waves. The composition reflects the energy and spontaneity of live performance, where music flows between the individual musicians to create a shared sense of expression and connection.

This piece is inspired from a snapshot from the Lagos Fanti Carnival, capturing the energy of the celebration in one image. In this painting I aimed to express the feeling of the scene through bold, expressive brushstrokes and fragmented shapes to convey the vibrancy and dynamism of the carnival atmosphere. The bright reds, blues, and oranges echo the colours of the costumes while also creating a sense of movement.

This piece captures a scene of a group of street musicians gathered on warm stone steps, playing vibrant beats and melodies. The bold colours - rich oranges, yellows, and deep reds, reflect the warmth of Caribbean streets and the lively cultural heritage of Cuban music. Through simplified silhouettes and expressive brushwork, this painting aims to emphasise the sense of community and the way in which music brings people together.

Inspired by the Lagos Fanti Carnival, this piece reflects the fusion of Nigerian, Brazilian, and Cuban cultural traditions expressed through vibrant costumes and music. Through bold colour and contrast, this piece celebrates identity and heritage, presenting a figure that embodies the spirit and energy of the carnival.