Toronto-based, Nigerian Photographer Isabel Okoro releases wallpaper series
The 2010s has seen African visual art witness an aesthetic renaissance coloured by 90s’ nostalgia and increased creative synergy with the continent’s diaspora. At 19-years old, photographer Isabel Okoro is one of the most intuitive storytellers of her set.
3 years ago, Isabela picked up a camera for the first time, at the start of what she describes as her visualisation of ‘black utopia’. The resulting art is grunge-like style rendered through themes of youth, vulnerability and alternative lifestyle.
Since then she has published a photo-book and scored features with publications like ID-Vice and Nataal. In recent months, she has also collaborated with Nigerian alté artist, Lady Donli and Toronto-based jewellery maker, Vitaly.
Last December, Okoro hosted “You + Your Friends”, her first headline exhibition at Whitespace Gallery, Ikoyi Lagos, curated by Mojoyin Durotoye. The show featured panel discussions from film director, Ariana Ude, artist Bunmi Agusto and digital culture phenomenon, The Nolly Babes. “We all had the same perspective of being young Nigerians mostly creating work from elsewhere but still inspired by home,” Isabel told ARTISH.
With the world slowed down due to global lockdowns, Isabel is currently stuck in school in Canada, where she studies Neuroscience and Psychology. When all the madness winds down, she plans to spend some time in Lagos documenting undiscovered parts of the youth culture. For her new wallpaper series released via ARTISH, Isabel says she selected personal photos, away from her usual portrait and editorial shoots. Check out some of them below.
Download the full series via Google Drive here
Isabel Okoro is a Toronto-based photographer from Lagos, Nigeria. Follow her on Instagram