Kikelomo’s work has also been exhibited in top galleries like The Holy Art Gallery in London, Casa del Arte Gallery in Palma, Spain, Nicoleta Gallery in Berlin, and Cipriarte Venezia Gallery in Venice, Madeke Gallery in London, One Art Gallery in Lagos.

Through her photography, Kikelomo advocates for the rights of women and children, amplifying their voices and shedding light on the issues affecting them. Her creative vision inspires change and fosters a more compassionate society, making a lasting impact on those who view her work.

Kikelomo recently graduated with distinction in MSc Management from the University of Derby. She is currently working on starting a Mobile Art Gallery to feature works from minority communities in the UK’s  East Midlands.

Art Review

Kikelom’s   ‘African Preggy Ready To Party,’ is currently being celebrated at exhibitions. The images celebrate the beauty of pregnancy through the lens of African culture. Each image radiates with the vibrancy of traditional African headgear, symbolizing strength, heritage, and femininity. The addition of sunglasses adds a contemporary twist, reflecting the modern woman’s confidence and flair. Through this fusion of tradition and modernity, she honors the journey of motherhood with exuberance and style, inviting viewers to join in the festive spirit of anticipation and celebration. 

The second image in the series is a young and trendy African preggy who likes to keep it simple. In the fourth image in the series, we see an African preggy who reflects a typical influential village preggy. The African Preggy Ready To Party 7 is the seventh image in the series, an African preggy who is mysterious. They are different sides to her. The more you look, the more there is something different about her. In the ninth image in the series, a Muslim preggy is seen saying her prayers before she steps out to party.

Through this fusion of tradition and modernity, she honors the journey of motherhood with exuberance and style, inviting viewers to join in the festive spirit of anticipation and celebration.

The images were recently exhibited in Casa del Arte Gallery in Palma, Spain, Nicoleta Gallery in Berlin, and Cipriarte Venezia Gallery in Venice and Madeke Gallery in London.

Kikelomo is currently working on a  project titled Backing The Baby

Some of these images were exhibited last weekend at One Art Gallery’s new opening in Lagos. in this poignant and intimate series of images, she reminds us of the timeless tradition of Nigerian women carrying their babies on their backs, wrapped snugly in a colourful wrapper. This age-old practice is not just a practical solution for childcare, but a symbol of love, nurturing, and cultural heritage.

The wrapper, often adorned with vibrant patterns and colors, serves as a protective embrace, cradling the baby close to the mother’s heart. As the baby grows, the wrapper becomes an extension of the mother’s own being, a constant reminder of the bond between parent and child.

Through “Backing The Baby,” Kikelomo celebrates the beauty and strength of Nigerian women, who have long been the pillars of their families and communities. She honors the traditions that have been passed down through generations, and the unwavering dedication of mothers who carry their babies on their backs, literally and figuratively.

These images are a testament to the power of maternal love and the resilience of Nigerian culture, a reminder that even in the simplest moments, beauty and meaning can be found. The full project is targeted to be in major galleries by 2024 christmas.

Exhibitions:

-Gallery Opening Exhibition, The One Art Gallery, Lagos, May 2024

-Realm Virtual Exhibition, The Holy Art Gallery, London, April, 2024

-Modern Art Exhibition, Madeke, London, April-May 2024

-Casa del Arte gallery in Palma Spain, May 2024

-Nicoleta Gallery in Berlin, May 2024

-Cipriarte Venezia gallery in Spain, May 2024

-Nigeria Photography Expo and Conference, Lagos, May, 2015

-Battle Scars, Goethe Institute, Lagos, March, 2014

-Eko Photo Open Exhibition, Eko Photo Club, Lagos, Dec. 2012-Jan. 2013

-Xperspective, Goethe Institute, Lagos, October, 2011

Journey to Art

Photography, seen as a powerful artform in its own right, can sometimes be viewed as limited compared to traditional painting on canvas. However, artist Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni boldly challenges this perception with experimental photography that borders on abstraction. These socially conscious works aim to shed light on the escalating issue of gender-based violence in Africa and beyond.

Kikelomo’s introduction to photography came at a young age with a disposable camera brought home by her father from the United Kingdom. Shortly after tragedy struck, leaving her orphaned and responsible for her two younger sisters.

Recognising her passion for photography, her cousin Ramat supported her journey by covering transportation costs to seek training from Seun Akinsami, the owner of Elophotos. Impressed by her dedication, Mr. Akinsami decided to waive the training fees for Solomon-Ayeni, paving the way for her to pursue her artistic vision.

After observing her strong passion, Mr. Akinsami decided to waive the training fees for the 16-month internship period. Despite having to trek three hours from her home to the shop, Kikelomo displayed unwavering dedication to learning. This commitment impressed Mr. Seun, who not only provided stipends for transport and meals but also gifted her with her first camera, an Olympus E-500, in December 2010. With this camera, she was able to produce images that funded her final year in university. This experience allowed her to successfully launch her career in the photography industry.