Joseph Idowu (Nigerian, b. 1993) is a contemporary artist best known for his impression of signature wood grain textures on canvas and other media. He works across painting, sculpture, wood burning and etching (Pyrography).
Idowu was brought up in FCT Abuja, hails from Ekiti state, Nigeria. He studied Painting at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with the honours as Best Graduating Student in Fine and Applied Art. He was a resident artist at The Universal Studios of art and the Akpojotor studios, Lagos respectively. He was selected to participate in the Rele Young Contemporaries residency program (virtual) in 2020. He has participated in several group exhibitions and art fairs including ART CONTACT Istanbul International Contemporary Art Fair, Turkey and the first art meets tech fair, Africa; Impart Fair, Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
He has won some awards including Award for Outstanding Contribution at the International Art Exchange Mural project with Sara Hinds (Artist in Residency, University of Florida) and Numartville Art Competition 2018 to his credit among others.
Idowu has also created uniquely figurative works using fire – a technique known as Pyro-painting. He uses colours as the focal point and then creates wood grain textures. Idowu’s works are mostly pensive but yet, commands hope and fluidity of time to a degree using symbolisms in the form of colours, melting clocks and other elements of play.
Joseph Idowu’s work is influenced by his enthrallment with children, his artwork challenges the global perception about the average African child. In his subject matter, Idowu captures African boys and girls as elegant, intelligent, wielding innocence and strong emotions contrary to the usual representation of weakness, hardship and poverty in art history.