Artist 101

1.

Background

Born in 1993, Fadojutimi grew up in the East London suburb of Ilford, and enrolled at the Slade School of Fine Art at the age of 18. In 2017, her MA degree show at the Royal College of Art caught the eye of Pippy Houldsworth, whose gallery represented the artist from 2017 to 2022. By 2019, Fadojutimi had her first UK institution exhibition at PEER UK in Hoxton.

The young artist’s star continues to rise: she was selected to participate in the 2022 Venice Biennale, joined the roster of Gagosian Gallery, and has garnered a series of solo exhibitions around the world. Her work is held in the collections of the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

2.

Style & Influences

Fadojutimi works on canvas and paper, applying layers of oil paint with an almost frenetic physicality. The results are bold and bright compositions, which appear abstract but also feature echoes of paraphernalia from the artist’s life. Shapes of objects and swatches of fabric are discernible within the mysterious, parallel landscapes of her imagination.

While at the RCA, she had the opportunity study in Japan and indulge her childhood fascination with the culture. Whilst there, she learnt to embrace her natural tendency towards impatience and channel it into her creative process. She works quickly, in bursts of activity, often completing paintings in one or two sessions.

3.

Identity & Self-Knowledge

Fadojutimi’s work is deeply personal; she uses the creative process to reflect on her experiences and examine her identity. The studio is her own private world filled with the nostalgic sights and sounds of her childhood. In this introspective space, she explores memories and moods through colour and abstract brushstrokes. For this artist, paint is a medium for conveying emotion that is beyond language, and a means of representing a self that is constantly shifting.

4.

On the Market

Fadojutimi has achieved an impressive international exhibition record in the space of just a few years, and demand for her work is building rapidly. Her paintings have featured at prestigious art fairs and Biennials, from Frieze to ArtBasel to the Venice and Liverpool Biennales. Her solo exhibitions around the globe have garnered glowing reviews.

Fadojutimi’s is becoming a familiar face in the art press as well as mainstream publications such as Vogue, and the verdict is unanimous: she is one to watch. With major success on both the primary and secondary market, her profile is set to continue growing, so now is the right time to invest in this promising artist.

5.

Research & Collecting

Building a collection of emerging art can require a little more research than established art. However, once you know where to look, it can be exciting and rewarding to discover up-and-coming artists. These are the creators who will shape the art world of the future. The fundamental rule is to focus on what you love, and work outwards from there. For example, if Jadé Fadojutimi’s style and story resonates with you, explore other contemporary abstract female artists, such as Rachel Jones and Amy Sillman.

Much of your research can be done online. Keep an eye on contemporary art news and reviews through websites such as Frieze, Elephant and The Art Newspaper. When something or someone piques your interest, dig a little deeper, and follow interesting artists, galleries and initiatives on Instagram. Many artists use this platform to reveal their creative inspirations and processes, so you’ll get to know them and their work more intimately.

To discover artists at the beginning of their careers, visit degree shows and scout out the smaller galleries and art fairs that prioritise emerging artists. When you’re ready to invest, our Post War & Contemporary Art sales provide a platform for collectors to acquire works by the most acclaimed young artists.

For more from our Post-War & Contemporary Art team, follow @bonhamscontemporary on Instagram.