Bio

Idowu Sholanke is a painter whose practice sits at the intersection of Abstract Expressionism, Neo-Expressionism, and Art Brut. His work explores the multifaceted nature of being, blending emotional intensity, instinctive mark-making, and raw visual language to present complexity as a lived norm rather than an exception.

Through layered gestures and bold forms, Sholanke asks difficult, often uncomfortable questions—and stands firmly by them—inviting viewers into a space of confrontation, reflection, and authenticity.

Mentored in his painting practice, he has further developed his approach through workshops with established artists at West Dean College, Sussex.

CV

Born 1980 in Lagos, Nigerian

Resides and works in England, UK

Selected exhibitions:

2026, The Impossible Erasure, Swindon Library, Swindon, UK (Upcoming)

2026, O.S.D 3 (solo exhibition), Swindon, UK (Upcoming)

2025, O.S.D 2 (solo exhibition), Swindon, UK

2024, O.S.D 1 (solo exhibition), Swindon, UK

Grant/awards/residencies:

2026, Jackson’s Art Prize, London, UK - Entrant.

2026, The Alpine Fellowship Visual Art Prize, The Alphine Fellowship, London, UK - Entrant

Collections:

Press/publications:

Idowu Sholanke in 100 Emerging Artists of 2026, Arts of hearts. USA: 2026 - Entrant.

Art contribution:

2025, Volunteer, Swindon art festival

Education:

2007 – 2008: PgD, Conservation of Fine Metalwork, West Dean College, University of Sussex, Chichester, UK

2003 – 2007: BA, Archaeology and History of Art, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus

Contact Details:

Studio: Swindon, England, UK.

Email: Ishow2000@yahoo.com

Phone: +44 1793 430 238