Art student uses trash to fight GBV
Ayomidotum is attracting attention
Anuoluwapo Ayomidotum is turning waste material into artwork to expose the horrors of gender-based violence (GBV) in society.
Ayomidotum, 21, a final year fine art student at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, uses a creative technique to make visual art that highlights the scourge of GBV by turning waste material into complete art masterpieces. Her work has been turning heads on the streets of Sunnyside and on social media where she has garnered a huge following due to her unique skill of using material to make artwork that tells a story of abuse and violence.
“I turn trash such as used CDs and newspapers into conceptual art by combining it with my oil paintings skills using canvas and brush.
“I use symbols [in art] to express inner feelings. It is my passion and focus that led to discovery of my own unique technique,” she told Sowetan.
The art student who hails from Nigeria said her art has attracted a lot of attention back home.
“My work evokes emotions of people who have suffered similar experience to heal. It is therapeutic to victims of gender-based violence and people must understand that old objects speak of experience.
“I am exposing the social ills and society relates to burning issues. I use my art to expose gender-based violence that is rife in the country and the diaspora.”
Ayomidotum said her art work could also serve to unify Africans in the fight against xenophobia and attacks on fellow Africans.
“I have known for years that art is what I was born to do; it is in my blood.”
She also said although she has been getting positive feedback on her artwork, she was looking for more recognition and possibility of taking part in local art competitions.
“Many people appreciate my work here in SA and overseas. I meet most of my customers through social media platforms. The fourth industrial revolution is taking our work to another level.”