Lakin Ogunbanwo

Lakin Ogunbanwo (born 1987) is a contemporary Nigerian photographer based in Lagos, known for his sleek, stylized portraiture that explores themes of identity, culture, and power in modern Africa. His work often focuses on fashion, traditional Nigerian studio photography, and nuanced portraits of masculinity and femininity. Early Life and Education Ogunbanwo was born in 1987 in Nigeria. Although he initially pursued a law degree, he ultimately shifted his focus to photography. He studied at the renowned Spéos Photographic Institute in Paris and later at the London College of Communication, where he honed his technical and artistic skills. This formal training laid the groundwork for his distinctive, often minimalist, aesthetic. Career Progression and Notable Works Ogunbanwo’s career gained significant traction with his early work challenging conventional representations of Nigerian identity and gender. His photography pays homage to the vibrant studio photography tradition of West Africa from the 1960s and 1970s while introducing a modern, highly polished vision. One of his best-known series is *Are We There Yet?* (2012), which features portraits of Nigerian men wearing traditional fedoras, subtly exploring the complexities of Nigerian masculinity and societal expectations. Another notable series, *e wá wo mi* (2018), examines Nigerian femininity through stylized bridal portraits. His work has frequently been featured in major international publications such as *Vogue*, *The New York Times*, and *GQ*. Major Achievements and Exhibitions Ogunbanwo has exhibited his work globally, establishing himself as a significant voice in African contemporary art. His photographs have been shown in galleries and museums in London, New York, Lagos, and Milan. He was selected to participate in the prestigious *Unseen Photo Fair* in Amsterdam. In 2017, he was named one of the "Best New Artists" by Artsy, and his work is held in private collections internationally. He is recognized for blending fine art with commercial fashion photography, making his visual language highly influential in African visual culture. Current Status Lakin Ogunbanwo continues to work from his studio in Lagos, Nigeria, producing both fine art projects and high-profile fashion campaigns. He remains dedicated to chronicling the evolving landscape of contemporary African identity and aesthetics through his photography.