Issue 01: Alankara and His Bold, Colourful Artistry: A conversation with Mayowa Lawal

Mayowa Lawal is a Nigerian multi-genre artist whose dynamic, colourful works and art styles uniquely blend photography, digital art, and textile works

Alankara and His Bold, Colourful Artistry: A conversation with Mayowa Lawal

By Itanrin Eniola 

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Mayowa Lawal is a Nigerian multi-genre artist whose dynamic, colourful works and art styles uniquely blend photography, digital art, and textile works. Popularly known as Alankara, Mayowa’s art styles and visual language are a reflection of his background and his flexible, explorative approach towards art as a relishing medium to converse with and for emotional expressions. As a master of vibrant colours, he describes colours as purely emotional and instinctive, creating depth in his works.

 

His artistic concept synthesises the African culture and history with contemporary aesthetics, often featuring characters with intensely contrasted black skin colour set against vivid colours—creating a dominating imagery that’s impossible to miss.

Mayowa Lawal’s works have been featured on PhotoVogue (a section of Vogue Magazine), international billboards, and in exhibitions worldwide. He has also collaborated with top brands, including Adidas, revealing his recognizable footprints in the art world.

"With roots in culture and palettes led by instinct, Mayowa Lawal redefines how African identity is seen in contemporary art."

IE: You’re often referred to as “Alankara” in the creative community. What’s the story behind this name?

ML: The name “Alankara” actually came to me, when I was trying to define the way I layer and use colour, fabric and texture like adornment. I didn't set out to create it; it simply stuck. Now, I see it as a perfect reflection of my process: layering, decorating, taking the ordinary and elevating it into something deeply expressive.

IE: Why did you choose art, especially an art style that blends photography, digital art, and fashion? What inspired your first attempt?

ML: To be honest, I feel like art chose me. Photography was the most immediate way to translate the worlds in my head. With a background that merges textiles, style, and a lot of imagination, the blending of photography and fashion happened very organically.

IE: How would you define yourself as an artist? And from what lens would you prefer the world to see you?

ML: As an artist, I document the history and cultural meaning behind textiles native to African culture. While using my life experiences as a backdrop, colour as a language and photography as a tool. My hope is that the world sees me as an artist who is actively expanding the conversation around how African visual identity can exist, thrive, and evolve. If they see that, they are seeing me correctly.

"Although, it’s what our reality is. We live carrying history in one hand and the future in the other."

IE: You often merge contemporary culture with traditional elements like Ankara and sneakers. What draws you to this dialogue between past and present?

ML: Not really; that was a collaboration with Adidas earlier this year.

Although it’s what our reality is. We live carrying history in one hand and the future in the other. And I'm often drawn to the relationship in that dialogue—the clash, the harmony, the moments of confusion, and the overwhelming pride. My work is, at its core, a statement.

IE: How have your cultural heritage and location shaped your creativity?

ML: Growing up in Lagos, you’re immersed in it. The versatility of the people, vibrancy and the way people express themselves with an incredible boldness. My visual language was shaped by my mother’s textile shop, where she sold Lace and Ankara. Also everything from festivals like the Ojude Oba from my hometown in Ijebu, including personal memories from the energy of the city that built my vocabulary. You can't escape the culture here; it trains your eye even before you realize it.

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