In an age where diversity, equity, and inclusion are all the rage, arousing in each of us judgments, realizations, or misgivings, I find Motunrayo’s art to be very timely, bringing, in addition to a striking aesthetic, a wave of positivity and compassion that we seem to sorely need.

Meeting Motunrayo via video call was a profound and sensitizing experience for me. Her works transcend the image to take us on an introspective journey in which we come face to face with a mirror. In this mirror, we do not see our reflection, but the following question: “Do I love myself as I am?”

The answer to this question is crucial to Motunrayo’s art. For her, the answer is yes. But that hasn’t always been the case.

As a child, Motunrayo loved to draw. As she grew up, this hobby became an increasingly important part of her life, mutating into a true form of expression and self-therapy when she had to get over a soul-crushing breakup.

It is then that Motunrayo truly discovered herself through her art, and realized that she could communicate her life experience through it, an experience in which others can recognize themselves.

Motunrayo shared with me, in all honesty, the personal challenges she faced as a child, which severely tested her self-confidence and self-esteem; from the mockery of the tribal mark on her chin to that of her “masculine ways”. All this came to an end when she began to accept herself as she was.

Her strikingly realistic portraits are created using a range of mediums, including oil paint, charcoal, and graphite. She works closely with her subjects to understand their individual traits and characteristics, which she then brings to life on canvas.

Motunrayo draws her inspiration from her close environment, particularly the life stories and situations of people she encounters.

Through her art, she tells us about her journey of self-love, through diverse and beautiful characters, suggesting that we can start that journey as well. By drawing on the richness and diversity of human experience, she offers us a powerful reminder of the connections that unite us all, no matter our backgrounds and circumstances.

Our conversation reminded me that I must first accept what bothers me in me so that I don’t feel bothered by others.

Thank you for showing us the way to resilience and self-love through your art, Motunrayo.

To purchase one or more of her inspiring works, contact her here: https://www.instagram.com/mamatee_arts_/

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)