LH Olanrewaju

Artist Statement

Lawal Habib
Olanrewaju

KEGS is the recurring figure through which LH Olanrewaju explores identity, vulnerability, memory, and perception. Existing somewhere between a mask and a face, KEGS functions as a symbolic vessel for the emotions, histories, and unspoken experiences that shape human existence.

Drawing from personal reflection as well as shared human experiences, Olanrewaju transforms familiar forms into contemplative figures that question how identity is constructed, concealed, and revealed. Rather than offering fixed narratives, his paintings invite viewers into moments of quiet introspection, encouraging them to discover their own meanings within each work.

LH Olanrewaju
LH Olanrewaju Lagos, Nigeria — 2025

A Voice
Born from
Silence

Artist Biography

LH Olanrewaju is a Lagos based contemporary visual artist whose practice explores themes of identity, vulnerability, memory, and human connection through the recurring figure of KEGS.

His fascination with colour began in childhood through poster paints and coloured pencils, eventually developing into a dedicated painting practice in 2015. He later studied Painting at Yaba College of Technology, graduating with a Higher National Diploma in Painting in 2024.

Working primarily in oil and acrylic, Olanrewaju creates paintings that merge symbolism with narrative, transforming ordinary forms into visual metaphors that reflect both personal and collective experiences. Through KEGS, he investigates the tension between concealment and revelation, inviting viewers to reflect on the emotional landscapes that often exist beneath outward appearances.

LH Olanrewaju in his Lagos studio, 2025

Lagos Studio — 2025