Lukman Olanrewaju Karounwi

Lukman Karounwi is a Nigerian contemporary artist born in 1993. He specializes in painting and graduated from the University of Lagos, where he studied Visual Arts. He further refined his artistic practice under the guidance of the late Hamid Ibrahim and Bolaji Ogunwo. His works bridge modern emotions with classical influences, creating a compelling dialogue between the past and the present. His versatility across various artistic disciplines has earned him the nickname “Versatile Artist" among his peers.

Artist Statement
My works explore identity, memory, and the silent beauty of human existence through contemporary figurative expressions. In Gele, I celebrate cultural pride and the dignity carried in tradition, using layered forms and colors to reflect strength, elegance, and heritage. Memories reflect the emotional connection between people, places, and moments that remain alive within us despite the passage of time.

The fragmented and evolving forms within my figures symbolize growth, transition, and the unseen stories carried by every individual. Through these paintings, I seek to create a dialogue between memory, culture, and humanity, inviting viewers to reflect on the moments that shape who we are beyond physical identity.