Adedoyin Bello-Adelani is a portrait and figurative artist with a keen eye for storytelling. She weaves narratives of feminism, resilience, and everyday life into her work. As the Coordinator of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) Southwest Zone, Adedoyin is not only shaping the artistic space but also paving the way for future generations of female artists in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
From sketching in childhood storybooks to transitioning from Mass Communication to Art and Industrial Design, her journey has been one of bold decisions, perseverance, and an unrelenting passion for her craft. In this conversation, she shares insights into her creative process, the technical intricacies of embroidery in her artwork, and how she broke through moments of doubt to earn global recognition—including placing 5th in an international miniature art competition. Through it all, she remains committed to championing female artists, advocating for greater visibility, and showcasing the impact of Nigerian art on the global stage.
How Adedoyin Bello-Adelani Discovered Her Calling
FAB: Can you tell us about your background and how you first discovered your passion for art?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: My name is Adedoyin Bello-Adelani. I hold a National Diploma in Mass Communication and a degree in Art and Industrial Design. I am a full-time studio artist and currently serve as the Coordinator for the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), Southwest Zone. My artistic journey began in childhood when I would copy drawings from my storybooks. Although I always enjoyed drawing, I never imagined I would become an artist. It was during my time studying Mass Communication that I truly discovered my passion for art, which ultimately led me to switch to the field.
FAB: What inspires your work?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: As a portrait and figurative artist, I draw inspiration from my immediate environment, capturing people’s daily activities, facial expressions, postures, and life experiences.
FAB: Who are your biggest influences (whether in the art world or outside of it)?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: I wouldn’t say I have a single influence, but I do look up to several figures in the art industry, including Mama Nike Davis-Okundaye, Prof. Peju Olayiwola, and Mr. Mufu Onifade, among others.
FAB: What’s your creative process like, from the moment an idea comes to you to the final piece?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: My creative process is quite technical. It begins the moment an idea comes to mind—I often visualise and mentally paint the concept before transferring it onto my canvas. The embroidery aspect of my work is the most demanding, as each thread must be carefully stitched onto the canvas, requiring both time and precision.
FAB: Is there a specific theme or message that runs through your work?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: As a female artist in a male-dominated field, I enjoy working with themes that celebrate and promote feminism.
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Challenges Female Artists Face in Nigeria & How She Overcame Them
FAB: As a female artist in Nigeria, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Artist: I wouldn’t say I faced significant challenges per se because I have always been independent and focused. However, in the early stages of my career, I had moments of fear about my place in a male-dominated art industry. Over time, I realised that determination and patience are the keys to success in any industry.
FAB: What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: The most rewarding moment in my career came in 2020, during the global lockdown due to COVID-19. There were numerous online opportunities for artists, and I took advantage of many of them. I won an award from India for the International Online Miniature Competition and Exhibition, where I placed 5th in the world. Additionally, I was honoured to be one of the top 10 finalists in Nigeria in a competition organised by Best Liquor in collaboration with Nike Gallery.
FAB: Have you ever doubted your abilities as an artist? If so, how did you push through those moments?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: Yes, there were times I doubted my abilities as an artist, especially during my school days when lecturers would criticise my work and ask me to recreate it. However, I persevered, viewing it as part of my learning process and a way to grow.
FAB: How would you describe the state of the art scene in Nigeria, particularly for women?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: The art scene for women in Nigeria has made significant progress in recent years, with more opportunities for female artists to showcase their work and connect with audiences. Some galleries are now offering women artists the platform to exhibit their creations and engage with the right audience.
FAB: What changes would you like to see in how female artists are supported and recognized in Nigeria?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: The changes I would like to see include galleries giving more visibility to emerging female artists, similar to the support they provide to male artists. Additionally, I believe the government should encourage female artists by offering grants and other forms of support.
FAB: How do you see Nigerian art contributing to global culture?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: Nigerian art has made significant contributions to global culture in recent years by offering fresh perspectives on global issues and enriching the international art scene with our vibrant cultural heritage.
FAB: Do you have any rituals or habits that fuel your creativity?
Adedoyin Bello-Adelani: No, I don’t have any specific rituals or habits that fuel my creativity.
