The Brushwork of an Old Soul: Inside the World of Contemporary Artist Alawaye Tope
- Selfless Art Gallery
- Nov 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 19
In this feature, we speak with Alawaye Tope, a Nigerian painter whose work carries the quiet depth and contemplative energy of an old soul. Rooted in memories, nostalgic rhythms, and moments that linger softly in the mind, Tope’s practice often draws from a sense of movement reminiscent of Soul Train’s iconic flow. His paintings carry that same rhythmic presence, offering a window into an inner landscape shaped by reflection, sensory memory, and thoughtful observation. This conversation explores the inspirations, creative rituals, and defining moments that continue to guide his artistic evolution.
Q: Let’s start with a fun icebreaker: which 60s, 70s, or 80s dance craze would you try in your studio right now if no one was watching?
A: Actually, I’ve always tried the Soul Train dance. Also, I’ve always vibed to some African indigenous music dances like Fuji Garbage by the late Fuji pioneer Ayinde Barrister and Synchro System by King Sunny Ade.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and how you first got interested in art?
A: I’m a Nigeria-based artist living and working in Ibadan, Nigeria. I started my art career formally in 2019, but before then I’ve always been interested in art, which made it easy for me to recognize art as my line of practice at such an early age.
Q: Speaking of influences from your past, are there any films, books, or cultural moments from the 60s, 70s, and 80s that inspire your visual storytelling?
A: Yes, there are many cultural moments and films that influence my storytelling, and these include the Black Art Movement (spanning from the 1960s to the 1970s), which focuses on the beauty of Black people and the affirmation of African heritage. Also, the TV series A Different World (which reigned in the early 1990s), which portrays the beauty and elegant lifestyle of Black women, and also some history journals about the history of Black people (especially the history of Black Americans).
Q: Looking at your work more closely, do you feel like your art is a reflection of your inner self or a lens through which you view the world? A: Well, I’ll say most of my paintings are a reflection of my inner self because mostly everything I’m always preoccupied with is the past and memories, which makes me feel like I’m actually an old soul. Therefore, I’ll say that my paintings are just the representation of who I am, and they also reveal my thought process in a way that makes me feel more alive and makes my story more easy to understand and resonate with.
Q: Shifting to the professional side of your journey, have there been moments in your career where a difficult professional experience ended up teaching you something unexpected?
A: Of course, yes. There are lots of experiences and unforgettable moments throughout my art career, but there’s one unforgettable moment that changed my mindset and how I viewed myself. It happened in 2020 during the pandemic lockdown when no one was allowed to move around. At first, it felt so tough to not go to work or do anything, but that’s when I realized that being an artist isn’t just a profession but also who I am personally and what I’ll always be no matter the condition. Likewise, I’ll say one other thing I’ve learned throughout my journey as an artist is patience. Art taught me that patience is the most valuable and expensive tool I’ll ever need to be a better artist.
Q: Looking ahead, what are some directions or projects you are excited to explore in the future?
A: About that, I’ll say fashion is what I’ve always longed to explore and participate in in the future, and this is the reason why I love to bring together the beauty of art and fashion in most of my paintings. I love fashion, and I would say if I’m not an artist I could have been into fashion (as a career).
Our conversation with Alawaye Tope reveals an artist whose old-soul sensibility fuels a practice grounded in patience, reflection, and a deep appreciation for the past. His work transforms memories into visual poetry, inviting viewers into a world shaped by introspection and emotional resonance. As he explores new directions, especially his growing interest in connecting painting with fashion, Tope remains committed to honoring the quiet, meaningful moments that inspire his art. To see more of Alawaye Tope's incredible work and stay updated on his latest projects, be sure to follow him on Instagram.
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