From Lagos Roots To UK Lens: The Artistic Evolution of Aduragbemi

Aduragbemi Okeyemi’s journey into the world of art and photography is one defined by persistence, self-discovery, and an unwavering desire to create.

Today, he stands as a Nigerian-born photographer based in Kent, England, blending storytelling, visual design, and fine art into a body of work that continues to evolve across borders.

But his path into photography was neither immediate nor straightforward, it was shaped by years of searching for the right medium through which his creative voice could fully emerge.

Long before he picked up a camera, Aduragbemi’s artistic journey began in fashion design.

For several years, he immersed himself in the world of fabrics, textures, and styles, honing his creative instincts in a discipline that demanded both imagination and technical precision.

Yet, even as he worked in fashion, there was a lingering sense that something was missing.

The medium, though expressive, did not entirely satisfy his need to translate the images and ideas constantly forming in his mind into tangible realities.

That search for a deeper form of expression eventually led him to photography in 2017, a turning point that would redefine his artistic direction.

What started as a self-taught exploration soon grew into a more structured pursuit. Determined to improve, Aduragbemi attended seminars, workshops, and creative meetups, gradually refining his technique and sharpening his visual storytelling abilities.

His academic background further strengthened his foundation. He holds a Master’s degree in Graphic Design from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s degree in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ado-Ekiti in Nigeria.

This combination of literary insight and design training has played a crucial role in shaping the narrative depth and aesthetic precision that characterize his work today.

To understand Aduragbemi’s artistic sensibility, one must look back at his formative years in Ebute-Metta and Yaba, in Lagos State.

Growing up in a large, close-knit family alongside his four brothers, parents, and extended relatives, he was immersed in an environment defined by strong communal values and structure.

It was within this setting that his creative instincts first began to surface. A particularly influential figure during this time was one of his uncles, who studied fine art at Yaba College of Technology.

Watching him paint left a lasting impression on the young Aduragbemi, quietly igniting a fascination with art that would linger beneath the surface for years.

Even in his early school days, his inclination toward creativity was evident. He excelled in fine art classes during his junior secondary education, often ranking among the top students.

Yet, like many Nigerian children growing up in the 1990s, he faced societal expectations that favored conventional career paths over artistic pursuits.

Professions perceived as stable and prestigious were encouraged, while careers in the arts were often viewed with skepticism. This cultural pressure temporarily pushed him away from fully embracing his artistic identity.

However, the pull of creativity proved too strong to ignore. By his senior secondary years, Aduragbemi found himself gravitating back toward the arts, reaffirming a passion that had never truly disappeared.

In retrospect, he describes this period as a reawakening, a realization that being an artist was not just an interest but an intrinsic part of who he was.

Yet, even with this clarity, it would take him nearly 15 years to discover photography as the medium that would ultimately bring his artistic vision into focus.

Like many emerging photographers, Okeyemi’s early journey was marked by significant challenges. One of the most pressing obstacles was funding.

While he invested in learning through workshops and classes, acquiring the necessary equipment proved difficult. For a long time, owning a camera remained out of reach.

When he finally managed to get his first device, a simple Nikon compact camera, it was a modest beginning, far from the professional DSLR setups many aspire to.

Even then, he faced additional hurdles, such as not being able to afford a suitable laptop for editing his work.

Despite these limitations, he remained committed. Passion and consistency became his driving forces, enabling him to push forward even when resources were scarce.

Over time, he came to realize that his struggles were not unique; many photographers, both established and aspiring, had faced similar challenges at the start of their careers.

This realization provided a sense of reassurance and reinforced his determination to keep going.

Another challenge he encountered was the environment in which he practiced photography, particularly in Lagos. Carrying a camera in public spaces often came with risks, including harassment from individuals seeking to extort or damage equipment.

Navigating these situations required courage and resilience, adding another layer of difficulty to his early experiences as a photographer.

Equally challenging was the question of artistic identity. At a time when the Nigerian photography scene was rapidly expanding, with practitioners exploring a wide range of genres, from documentary and event photography to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle—it was not easy to define a unique style.

Aduragbemi initially experimented across multiple genres, trying to find his place within the field. Eventually, he discovered a deeper connection to beauty, portraiture, and fine art photography—a direction that has become more pronounced since his relocation to the United Kingdom.

Now based in Kent, Aduragbemi’s work reflects an ongoing dialogue between his Nigerian heritage and his experiences in the UK.

While he acknowledges that this fusion is still evolving, he recognizes the profound influence of his background on his artistic perspective.

His understanding of culture, color, identity, and storytelling is deeply rooted in his Nigerian upbringing, while his exposure to the UK’s diverse creative landscape has introduced new styles, techniques, and viewpoints.

Rather than seeing these influences as separate, Okeyemi envisions his work as a bridge—one that connects his heritage with his present environment.

Through his use of natural light, thoughtful composition, and carefully chosen themes, he aims to create images that feel both personal and universally relatable.

Although he admits that he is still exploring the full potential of this cultural synthesis, his intention to deepen this integration is clear.

Since moving to the UK, Aduragbemi has made a strategic decision to prioritize visibility and creative growth over immediate commercial success.

Instead of focusing solely on paid assignments, he has dedicated significant time to personal projects, collaborations, and volunteer work. This approach has proven instrumental in shaping his career and expanding his presence within the art community.

Among his notable achievements is the publication of his work in journals and magazines, as well as participation in various exhibitions across England.

One particularly significant milestone was the publication of his article, What Eye See, in the Royal Photographic Society’s Digital Imaging online issue in September 2025.

This project explored the essence of black-and-white photography as a form of fine art, emphasizing its ability to convey depth, emotion, and narrative without reliance on colour.

The impact of this work extended beyond publication, with pieces from the series being exhibited in multiple galleries and exhibitions. These include the second edition of the Vogue Exhibition by the Boomer Gallery in London and The Best of 2025 exhibition organized by the Dartford and District Photographic Society at the Peter Blake Library in Dartford, Kent.

His photographs are also currently part of an exhibition at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, supporting the Ellenor Hospice charity, an initiative that underscores his commitment to using art for community engagement.

In addition to these accomplishments, Aduragbemi has received recognition through competitions, including winning the President’s Cup, an annual award with a history spanning over four decades, organized by the Dartford and District Photographic Society.

His growing reputation is further reflected in his inclusion as a featured artist on Artsy, a global platform that connects artists with collectors around the world.

Throughout his journey, Aduragbemi has drawn inspiration from a range of artists and cultural figures.

Photographers such as Tolani Alli, Henry Oji (Big H), and Kelechi Amadi-Obi have influenced his approach through their resilience, creative processes, and consistency.

He also looks up to figures like Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery and Tokini Peterside-Schwebig of Art X Lagos, whose contributions to the art world have had a lasting impact.

Their work not only inspires him artistically but also fuels his long-term ambition to establish his own gallery and curate exhibitions that resonate both in the UK and across Africa.

For Aduragbemi, some of the most fulfilling moments in his career come from the act of creation itself. Each time he picks up his camera, there is a sense of anticipation, the possibility of bringing a new idea to life.

Seeing his work published or exhibited adds another layer of fulfillment, transforming private visions into shared experiences that can be seen and appreciated by a wider audience.

Central to his growth as an artist is his openness to feedback and critique. Since relocating to the UK, he has actively participated in competitions and critique sessions where experienced judges and fellow photographers evaluate his work.

Rather than viewing criticism as negative, he embraces it as an opportunity to gain new perspectives and identify areas for improvement.

His involvement in a critique group within the Royal Photographic Society has been particularly valuable, allowing him to engage in thoughtful exchanges and see his work through the eyes of others.

Looking ahead, Aduragbemi is currently involved in several projects that reflect his evolving creative direction. One of these is a volunteer collaboration with Ellenor Hospice and the Bluewater Shopping Centre, where he is documenting artists participating in the Dartford Bear Hunt 2026. This project highlights the intersection of community, art, and storytelling, reinforcing his commitment to meaningful artistic engagement.

Another upcoming project, titled Lumen Shadow, will build on his exploration of black-and-white photography. This fine art series will focus on the interplay of light, shadow, and beauty, continuing the thematic direction established in his earlier work, What Eye See. Through this project, he seeks to further assert his belief in black-and-white photography as a pure and powerful form of artistic expression.

In addition, Aduragbemi is working toward achieving an Associate distinction with the Royal Photographic Society, an important milestone that requires the submission of a cohesive and compelling body of work. This goal represents not only professional advancement but also a deeper commitment to refining his artistic voice.

For aspiring artists and photographers, Aduragbemi offers a message grounded in realism and encouragement. He emphasizes the importance of patience, perseverance, and passion, noting that success in the field rarely comes quickly or easily. While financial rewards are important, he believes that a genuine love for the craft must come first, particularly for those seeking to create work with lasting value.

He also acknowledges the financial challenges associated with photography but encourages beginners not to be discouraged.

Starting with whatever resources are available, continuously learning, and remaining consistent are key steps in building a sustainable creative journey. Above all, he advises trusting the process, allowing growth to unfold naturally over time.

Aduragbemi Okeyemi’s story is one of resilience, exploration, and artistic conviction.

From the bustling streets of Lagos to the galleries of England, his journey reflects the power of staying true to one’s creative instincts, even in the face of uncertainty.

As he continues to evolve, his work stands as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when passion meets persistence, and when art becomes not just a pursuit, but a way of life.