Banke Jemiyo
Banke Jemiyo, also known as Oreofe, is a self-taught artist whose love for painting was birthed through sketching portraits, landscapes and still life drawings.
Her creative journey truly blossomed in March 2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Since then, Banke has diligently studied and developed her craft. As an artist, Banke works with mediums including acrylic, oil and writing instruments and through contemporary and traditional techniques isn’t shy of marrying vibrant colours and eccentric concepts in her paintings.
A linguist by profession, Banke’s work is inspired by different cultures, often taking an Afro dimension and incorporating fashion inspired themes, poignant visual aesthetics and quirky interiors to create a unique narrative.
In the past six months, her works have been exhibited in various galleries including The Brick Lane, Boomer in London and Art Number 23 in Athens (October-November 2021). Her connection with each painting continues to be recaptured and appreciated worldwide as her creative journey is ever evolving.
“Bring me the colours of the rainbow and my imagination runs away with me.
I’ve always believed that life is lived more fully in brighter colours grasping inspiration in the most random of places; Iris Apfel’s wardrobe, the Afrofunk archives and Netflix real-life documentaries to name but a few.
My artistic journey over the past year in particular has led me to fall in love and develop my craft in the world of portraiture. In a series of works, my inspiration lies in the expression and representation of identity, the conflicting paradigm between the individual and society.
My vision is to create pieces that celebrate cultural difference, promote and honour the achievements of Black and other peoples of African descent. My values for respecting tradition, physical individuality and art movements stands vividly in my heart and to then complement it with my signature explosion of vibrant colours in every painting is a dream!”
Visit Banke's website for more information.
Banke Jemiyo is one of the J/M Gallery participating artists.
