Voices of Creativity
Hear the artist share her journey, challenges, and definitions of success
O. Yemi Tubi
O. Yemi Tubi has exhibited worldwide, earning numerous awards for his impactful work. Highlights include multiple placements in the American Art Awards (2014–2022), the First Round Winner at Art Olympia 2015 in Tokyo, and the Premier Artist Prize Winner by Contemporary Art Station in 2024. His works have earned distinctions such as Best in Show at Tall Sequoia Gallery and Creative Magazine, and first place in Art Impact International's WAR or PEACE 2022.
His art has been featured in ARTtour International, Creative Quarterly, ART Habens, and Huffington Post, among others. A member of organizations like the World Citizen Artists and New York Artists Equity Association, O. Yemi continues to inspire with his thought-provoking art.
Roses and Thorns: The Artistic Journey of O. Yemi Tubi (MOYAT)
Discovering a Passion for Art
O. Yemi Tubi’s artistic journey began in his childhood in Nigeria, where his talent and passion for art set him apart. Despite excelling in art during primary school, he lacked role models in the field, as art was not considered a common career path. Undeterred, Tubi followed his dream, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the United States. Inspired by Renaissance artists who illustrated biblical stories and social upheavals, Tubi developed a vision to create art that provokes dialogue and inspires change.
Finding a Unique Style
As a versatile artist, Tubi works across various mediums, including oil, watercolor, and mixed media. However, his greatest challenge is creating a distinctive style recognizable as his own. He achieves this by merging aesthetic creativity with meaningful themes, such as in his surreal portrait SOYINKA: An African Literary Icon. By using books and words to depict Wole Soyinka, Tubi captures the essence of the literary figure while inviting viewers to connect with the story behind the work.
Milestones of Pride
One of Tubi’s proudest moments came when his painting The Broken Liberty was featured as the centerpiece of the George Floyd Protest Movement Multicultural Art Collection. A collector described it as a powerful visual representation of decades-long struggles for racial justice. For Tubi, this recognition symbolizes the impact of his art in addressing critical social issues.
Roses and Thorns: A Personal Style
Tubi’s work often explores the duality of life through his theme, The Facts of Life: Roses and Thorns. Roses symbolize achievements and joys, while thorns represent challenges and pain. This unique floral iconography is evident in works like The Bleeding Roses and Domestic Abuse, where Tubi uses visual beauty to convey deeper societal and emotional truths.
Lessons from Setbacks
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to Tubi’s career, with canceled exhibitions and financial setbacks. Additionally, he learned to navigate the exploitative practices of open calls requiring high submission fees. These experiences taught him the importance of perseverance and discerning opportunities that align with his vision.
Wisdom for Fellow Artists
Tubi advises emerging artists to focus on their passion and not rush to make money. “Fame often precedes fortune in the art world,” he says, emphasizing the need for persistence and authenticity. He encourages artists to stay true to their vision and resist the pressure to conform to market trends.
Staying True to Vision
Despite pressures to adapt to audience preferences or market demands, Tubi remains committed to his unique style and vision. He believes that true art collectors who appreciate his work will find it valuable and resonate with its meaning.
Inspirations and Influences
Tubi draws inspiration from Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and surrealists like Salvador Dalí. He admires their ability to transcend conventional art, creating works that challenge perceptions and address societal issues. Similarly, Tubi uses his art to make political and social commentaries, influenced by contemporary artists like Banksy and their fearless storytelling.
Redefining Success
For Tubi, success lies in doing what he loves and receiving recognition for his work. While financial success takes time, he believes that building relationships with collectors and gaining exposure through exhibitions and interviews are essential steps. “Fame has to come before fortune in the art world,” he says, reaffirming his commitment to sharing his vision globally.
O. Yemi Tubi’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change. His unique style and dedication to meaningful storytelling continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
O. Yemi Tubi, a Nigerian-born and American-trained artist based in the UK, is known for his distinct style combining emotion, creativity, and storytelling. Influenced by Renaissance artists, his works often address political and social upheavals, including pieces like Arab Revolution, The Bleeding Rose, and Ukraine: The Unfortunate Bride.
Tubi’s portraits are uniquely crafted, using his subjects’ professions to tell their stories, such as Soyinka: An African Literary Icon and The Violinist. His thematic focus, The Facts of Life: Roses and Thorns, symbolizes the joys and challenges of life, with roses representing achievements and thorns reflecting struggles.
Through his art, Tubi creates visually compelling narratives that provoke thought and inspire dialogue about global and personal issues.
