Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayola Goxo.
Hi Ayola, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My artistic journey began very early, rooted in a love for cartoon characters. As I grew, that interest shifted toward studying and drawing realistic human figures. In my teenage years, I joined Belgravia art studio, where I learned oil painting and began developing a more disciplined approach to my practice.
My introduction to the art market came through Trent Gallery, which opened the door for me to start exhibiting professionally. After that, I began participating in more group shows around Pretoria, gradually building confidence and visibility. In 2024, I received my first residency at August House, which played a major role in deepening my practice and surrounding me with a community of working artists.
By 2025, I took part in the Woordfees program with Reservoir and Strauss & Co, a significant milestone that expanded my audience even further.
Each step (from drawing cartoons as a child to working within August House) has shaped the artist I am today: committed, evolving, and driven by curiosity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. As an artist who didn’t go through a formal fine art institution, there have been moments of uncertainty, especially when it comes to conceptual development and defining my own visual language. Without that structured guidance, it can be difficult to know whether I’m moving in the right direction.
But in many ways, that uncertainty has become part of my growth. It keeps me grounded, curious, and open to learning. Not having everything figured out pushes me to explore, experiment, and keep discovering new possibilities within my practice.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centres on exploring the complexities of the human experience. I like to draw geometric forms and often use them as an entry point into deeper emotional and psychological themes. Working primarily with oil paint and other traditional mediums, I create compositions that reflect my subconscious perceptions, grappling with fear, imperfection, and the desire for transcendence in a flawed society.
Symbolism plays a strong role in my practice. I build interactive and layered compositions that invite viewers to slow down and engage emotionally with the work. I’m drawn to existential themes and to the shared human longing for meaning, which I try to express through imagery that feels both personal and universal. Many of my pieces function almost like portals into a parallel reality, revealing messages from the subconscious that cross cultural, societal, and even ethnic boundaries.
What I’m most proud of is how my work encourages reflection, not only for myself, but for those who encounter it. I try to create spaces where viewers can examine their own inner worlds and recognise our collective human essence. I think what sets my art apart is this blend of emotional depth, symbolism, and a commitment to exploring the unseen parts of ourselves, all communicated through a visual language shaped by both intuition and disciplined craft.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
There are many things that make me happy, but spending time with the people I care about is at the top of the list. I also find joy in connecting with others through my art, even when we come from different backgrounds or hold different values. At the core of it, what makes me happiest is genuine human connection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ayolagoxo
- Facebook: Ayola Goxo
Image Credits
Chulumanco Gushman
