Nigerian-Born, UK-Based Fine Art Photographer Ayodeji Awoyomi Unveils New Works at Thought Pyramid’s Undiscovered Abuja 3.0

By Korede Omololu-David

The Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Abuja, has opened the third edition of its acclaimed Undiscovered series, spotlighting a fresh wave of emerging visual artists from across Nigeria. Among the standout creatives featured this year is Ayodeji Awoyomi, the Nigerian-born, UK-based fine art photographer whose work continues to redefine contemporary African portraiture.

Awoyomi, an award-winning fine art photographer known for blending cultural memory with modern visual language, presents a compelling trio of works: Veil of Origin, Spirit of Light, and Shades of Shadows. The pieces form a quiet but powerful meditation on identity, ancestry, and the emotional architecture of the human spirit.

Speaking on his participation, Awoyomi describes photography as “a vessel for untold stories and a bridge between the seen and the unseen,” noting that his practice draws heavily on Yoruba heritage, symbolism, and the nuances of lived memory. Through controlled light, layered textures, and considered composition, his images probe the spaces between vulnerability and resilience.

Undiscovered Abuja 3.0 is part of Thought Pyramid’s expanding tri-city initiative now running across Abuja, Lagos, and Benin to provide credible platforms for emerging and fast-rising artists. Curated by Adetiloye Oluwatosin Jekami, the exhibition champions authenticity over access, offering young artists visibility, professional grounding, and opportunities to enter Nigeria’s growing collector ecosystem.

Thought Pyramid founder, Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, describes the series as “a commitment to nurturing talent and widening the cultural conversation,” noting that many artists in earlier editions went on to build successful careers both locally and internationally.

For Awoyomi, whose work has previously earned international recognition, this exhibition marks an important homecoming moment one that reconnects him to Nigeria’s contemporary art scene while expanding dialogue around photographic storytelling within African contexts.

“In these works, I am exploring the threads that hold us ancestry, memory, and the quiet strength we often carry silently,” he explains. “Being part of Undiscovered allows me to share that journey with audiences at home.”

The exhibition features over two dozen artists across painting, photography, mixed media, and digital art, each offering a distinct lens on culture, identity, and lived experience. Together, they form a vibrant testament to the resilience and creative depth of Nigeria’s new artistic generation.

Undiscovered Abuja 3.0 is currently open to the public at Thought Pyramid Art Centre, 18 Libreville Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja