Meet Sanjo Lawal: The Nigerian Artist Making Art That Speaks Like Scripture, From Lagos to the World
Sanjo Lawal is a Nigerian fine art photographer and multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant, emotionally charged visuals that blend photography, digital painting, and cultural storytelling.
Born in 1997 and based in Lagos, Sanjo’s work is deeply rooted in Nigerian heritage, often using bold colors, recycled materials, and symbolic headpieces to explore themes of identity, spirituality, and resilience. His signature style includes rendering dark skin tones in near-charcoal shades to amplify contrast and celebrate African beauty.
He’s also the founder of Brothers Lawee, a fashion collective with his siblings, where they transform ceremonial lace fabrics into contemporary streetwear. His art series like Heavy is the Head and Time Custodian are visual metaphors for strength, legacy, and cultural pride.
Sanjo’s work has been exhibited internationally, featured at the AKAA Fair in Paris, and represented by the gallery This Is Not A White Cube, including editions like Headstart II, and he’s often described as a creative force who refuses to be boxed in—whether through photography, fashion, or storytelling.
Sanjo’s work aligns with Vetra Magazine’s ethos—it’s editorial, culturally rooted, visually compelling, and unapologetically bold. His art commands attention, invites conversation, and offers depth to fashion/lifestyle storytelling.
If we're curating fresh voices that elevate African culture in modern form—Sanjo Lawal is exactly who we speak with.
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