Peju Alatise

**Peju Alatise Biography** Peju Alatise (born 1975) is a highly prominent Nigerian interdisciplinary artist, poet, writer, and architect, recognized globally for her sociopolitical artworks that frequently address the struggles of women in Nigeria and the African continent. She is one of the leading voices in contemporary African art, utilizing multimedia, sculpture, and painting to challenge societal norms and stereotypical narratives. Alatise currently lives and works between Lagos, Nigeria, and Glasgow, UK. **Early Life and Education** Alatise was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1975, and was raised in a traditional Muslim family alongside seven siblings. She first developed an interest in art at the age of 15 after viewing an exhibition by Nigerian artist David Dale, whom she cites as a major influence, along with Bruce Onabrakpeya, Nike Monica Davies, and Susanna Wenger. Alatise received formal training in architecture at Ladoke Akintola University in Oyo State, Nigeria. While studying architecture, she actively explored her artistic interests at the Jakande crafts market in Lagos, experimenting with various media including painting, sculpting, and jewelry making. After completing her education, she worked for 20 years as a studio artist. **Career Progression and Achievements** Alatise is celebrated for transitioning her architectural background into a career as a multimedia artist, focusing on creating art that serves as a medium for social commentary. She is the founder of the non-profit organization Alter Native Artists Initiative (ANAI), an artist incubator and collective dedicated to promoting and developing visual arts in Nigeria through sponsored training programs. A major milestone in her career came in 2017 when she, along with Victor Ehikhamenor and Qudus Onikeku, became one of the first Nigerian artists to exhibit at the 57th Venice Biennale, themed *Viva Arte Viva* (Long Live Art). That same year, she was the recipient of the prestigious FNB Art Prize at the 10th FNB Joburg Art Fair in Johannesburg, South Africa. Alatise’s work has also been included in other major exhibitions such as the Casablanca Biennale (2014) and EVA International. **Notable Works** Alatise’s art is characterized by its powerful thematic focus on social justice, gender, and political discourse. Her work exhibited at the 2017 Venice Biennale was a group of life-size figures centered on the life of a young servant girl. Other notable works include the *Silifat (Series)* and *This Other Side*, which are featured in galleries internationally. Her versatility extends beyond visual arts; she is also an author of two novels. **Current Status** Peju Alatise continues to be an active and influential figure in the global art scene. She is recognized for her dedication to the advancement of contemporary African art and holds the distinguished position of a fellow at the National Museum of African Art, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. She maintains an active presence online through her Instagram account @peju_alatise.