Yusuf Ayokunle Dongo
From Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, Yusuf Dongo is an interdisciplinary artist, passionate about his culture, the environment, and the art of craftsmanship. Yusuf grew up and was educated in Ogun State, graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2017 after studying Fine and Applied Art.
Yusuf is now based in the United Kingdom after completing his master’s degree in Fine Art at De Montfort University. An upcycling and repurposing artist, some of his earliest work involves the use of scrap metal, with aim to curb pollution and waste creation. He gravitates to found objects and discarded automobile parts to create his detailed – often animalistic or littered with symbolic features – sculptural pieces. Yusuf considers this the act of ‘turning scrap to luxury’.
Yusuf also incorporates sketching, painting, woodworking, and even textile art into his practice, using whichever mode aids him best in conveying his ideas. He is known for his sculptures and sketches that explore West African proverbs, Yoruba folklore, and ‘history at a glance’ – often with animal imagery as a metaphor depicting humans in relation to their environment. In this way, he injects life into lifeless and discarded materials.
His practice is flexible, providing him the scope to explore ideas in varied ways; but also, enabling him to create art wherever he is. Regardless of the theme or medium he chooses to explore. His works are created to attract the eye and prompt conversation in society at large.
Recognitions
Certificate of MERIT in Painting (2009)
National Gallery of Art, Abeokuta
Exhibitions
SO FAR, THE IDEA (2017)
BA Degree Show, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
UPCYCLING THE NEW ECONOMY II (2019)
International Institute for Creative Development (IICD)
In collaboration with US Embassy, Abuja, Nigeria
DREAM GROUP EXHIBITION (2019)
Vivid Exclusive Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria
EXPLORATION OF COVID-19 THROUGH THE LENS OF ART (2020)
Virtual Art Exhibition
BEING HERE (2021)
De Montfort University Gallery Leicester, United Kingdom
EMERGENCE (2021)
MA Degree Show, 2 Queens Gallery, Leicester United Kingdom
BEING HERE (2022)
De Montfort University Gallery Leicester, United Kingdom
SUMMER CAMP SHOW (2022)
Members Show, Eastside Projects, Birmingham, United Kingdom
GOD-POCKET (2023)
Eastside Projects, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Workshops
UPCYCLING THE NEW ECONOMY II (2019)
In collaboration with US Embassy, Abuja, Nigeria
International institute for creative development (IICD)
ADIRE: TIE & DYE (2023)
Still There are Seeds to be Gathered EOP Programme
Eastside Projects, Birmingham, United Kingdom
