Ololade Olawale, Nigerian fine art photographer based in Lagos

Ololade Olawale is a photographer whose work looks at spirituality, identity, and the unseen parts of life. With training in filmmaking, he uses photography to tell deep and thoughtful stories. His art has been shown in cities like New York and Florence, helping people connect with ideas that are often hard to describe in words.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I am someone who is always searching for what lies beneath the surface of things. My life is guided by a deep curiosity about spirituality, memory, and the unseen forces that shape human existence. Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by traditions and stories that taught me to find meaning in the ordinary and to recognise how the inner world influences the outer one. These experiences continue to shape how I think, feel, and create.

I carry this sense of awareness into everything I do, seeking connections that feel honest and moments that invite a deeper encounter with the world around me.

How did you first get into photography?

It started with my dad. He taught me how to use an analogue camera when I was just a toddler, and I’d play around with it even though I barely understood what I was doing. Then when I turned 12, he got me my first camera, and that’s really when the love for photography stuck with me.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche? How has your style evolved over time?

I mostly work within fine art portraiture, that’s really where my heart is, but every now and then I enjoy exploring landscapes and architecture too. My style is always evolving; I like to keep pushing myself, so each stage of my work feels a little different from the last while still carrying my voice.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

The themes that drive my photography usually circle around spirituality, identity, and the human condition. I like creating images that feel layered, where light, colour, and form suggest something deeper than what’s on the surface.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

The achievement I’m most proud of is working on Realms. That project was really significant for me because it was the one that helped me discover my path with photography and gave me a clear sense of direction in my practice.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a photographer was finding the niche I wanted to focus on. Since I grew up with a camera in hand, I experimented with a lot of directions and it was difficult to settle on one path. Over time I realised that the key was to follow what I felt naturally drawn to express. Once I leaned into that, things became clearer. From that experience I learned that your work feels most authentic when you stop forcing it and allow it to grow in the direction that speaks to you.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with anyone right now, it would be House of Vieve. I really love their direction and I see a lot of similarities in the way we approach creativity, so I feel a collaboration could bring out something powerful and unique.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I really appreciate 54Ruum as a platform because it’s focused on giving space to creatives, not only those who are already established but also fresh voices who are still finding their footing. It feels like a place that values growth, experimentation, and community, which is so important in today’s creative landscape.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

In my country, I have kind of a controversial take on the photography and art space. I feel it’s not experimental enough and often follows a sort of template that people expect you to stick to.

But at the same time, I’m seeing new faces come in and challenge that narrative, experimenting more and pushing beyond what society traditionally expects. That shift gives me a lot of hope for where things are headed.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

My advice would be to just keep shooting and experimenting. Don’t rush to narrow down or pick a niche too early.