Yomi Momoh

Born: September 8, 1964
Lives and works in: Lagos, Nigeria

Yomi Momoh is a Nigerian artist whose practice bridges painting and sculpture through an intuitive exploration of the human form. Born in 1964, he discovered his artistic gift early, winning numerous school art competitions that foreshadowed a lifelong creative journey.

He earned a National Certificate of Education from Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin (1986) and a B.A. in Fine Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1989), where he specialized in sculpture. Although recognized as the best sculptor of his graduating class, his expressive instincts ultimately led him toward painting—where line, form, and emotion merge seamlessly on the canvas.

Momoh’s works are distinguished by their quiet elegance and rhythmic simplicity. His figures—often female—are elongated, fluid, and deeply emotive, reflecting both strength and vulnerability. Working without preliminary sketches, he builds forms directly from instinct, creating a dialogue between spontaneity and structure.

He works in oil, acrylic, and mixed media, and in fibreglass or bronze for sculpture. A signature aspect of his style is the painted fibreglass panel, merging sculptural depth with painterly surface. He also experiments with wood panels, incorporating beads, metal sheets, fabric, coins, and found objects to add textural richness and symbolism.

Momoh’s art has been exhibited widely in Nigeria, Ghana, the Netherlands, and the United States, including at Bonhams New York (Africa Now), Arthouse Lagos, Gallery 23 Amsterdam, and Artists Alliance Gallery Ghana, among others. His works form part of major private and public collections around the world.

For Momoh, the female form embodies grace, balance, and infinite expressive potential. Through line and color, he celebrates this form as both subject and symbol—an enduring reflection of humanity’s beauty, resilience, and spirit.