Laolu Senbanjo, known professionally as “Laolu NYC,” is a formidable Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist whose impressive career spans music, performing arts, visual art, human rights law, and activism. His diverse background profoundly informs his artistic practice, which is deeply rooted in the belief that art can reveal profound truths and foster self-discovery.
Before fully committing to his artistic calling, Laolu dedicated three years to practicing human rights law in Nigeria. This foundational experience instilled in him a deep-seated desire to advocate for others and help them articulate their authentic selves. He ultimately found that his most potent and natural avenue for achieving this was through the boundless depths of his artwork. In pursuit of this artistic path, he relocated to New York City, where he has since devoted himself entirely to his art.
Laolu’s artistic philosophy is guided by the expansive notion that virtually anything can serve as his canvas. Whether it’s paper, walls, human bodies, buildings, or even vehicles, he approaches each with the same transformative vision. By adorning these diverse surfaces, Laolu intentionally leaves a piece of his artistic spirit and his rich Yoruba heritage wherever he goes, one unique canvas at a time. This deliberate act not only showcases his immense creativity but also serves as a vibrant cultural ambassador.
His distinctive artistic approach, particularly the “Sacred Art of the Ori” (body adornment), has garnered international acclaim and attracted collaborations with a remarkable roster of global icons. Luminaries such as Beyoncé, Burna Boy, J. Balvin, Serena Williams, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Bad Bunny, and Lupita Nyong’o are among the many who have experienced the transformative power of his adornment. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2016 when his work was prominently featured in Beyoncé’s Grammy Award-winning visual album, “Lemonade,” contributing significantly to its groundbreaking creative direction.
Beyond his collaborations, Laolu’s artistry has been recognized and featured by leading media outlets worldwide. He has graced the covers of prestigious publications like The New York Times and has been extensively featured in The Fader, Vogue, Vice, CNN, BBC, and numerous others, solidifying his status as a globally recognized artist. His ever-expanding list of collaborations further underscores his versatility and broad appeal, including partnerships with esteemed entities such as Lladro, The Recording Academy, Parkwood Entertainment, Nike, Equinox Fitness, Belvedere, Bvlgari, and TED, among many others. Through his tireless dedication and boundless creativity, Laolu Senbanjo continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural space.
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.
