Damola Ayegbayo hails from Nigeria and has been practicing art since he was a young child. The common theme that runs through his works is strong black women - painted in vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes.

When asked about what inspires Ayegbayo to create, he said that painting is the “best way I know to express myself and express how I feel about the world.” The mixed-media artist has also given his painting style a name: ÀBÈFÉ. In his native language, it means “pleaded to be loved”. The painter also added that he loves to paint black women in vibrant colors because he aims to create, through his art, something beautiful and meaningful. “I use portraits of these beautiful black women to speak to society about morals, good behavior, love, and unity.”

The concept of using black women is a reference to the artist’s loving mother and the role other women have played in his life. An image of a black beautiful woman always reminds him of how his strong mother trained and brought him up with love and good morals. “She helped me discover my real self,” he said.