The ‘Home from Home’ project aims to explore the legacies of pioneering British Nigerians in the UK and their impact on society. The project highlights and celebrates British Nigerian contributions to the cultural, political, educational, artistic, spiritual, and sporting life of Britain and London, in particular. In this interview we feature renowned visual artist Àsìkò.

Who is Àsìkò?

I’m a Nigerian British visual artist who explores issues of culture and identity using Photography, mixed media artwork, film and more recently Ai. 

What does “Home From Home” mean to you?

That’s an interesting question, I see “Home From Home” as a dual embrace, the taste of jollof rice shared at a table where there is tea and biscuits. It is the blend of cultures, where the rhythm of Afrobeat mingles with the hum of the Tube, and the colors of Ankara fabrics dance in a world of overcast skies. I exist between both cultures and have a dual heartbeat for both the Nigerian and British way of life.

How do you celebrate your Nigerian heritage?

It is celebrated everyday and in every expression of community, food, song, ideology. It is celebrated in the stories I tell through my work as an artist, which is really a love letter to the Yoruba way of life. My heritage is a light that guides, a rhythm that moves, and an ideology that informs my way of life .

What does being “British Nigerian” mean to you?

Being “British Nigerian” means carrying two worlds within me, each with its own rhythm, history, and identity, but also finding harmony in their coexistence. Being a child of diaspora in my journey i have found embracing the richness of both cultures, where the legacy of my Nigerian roots meets the influence of British life, creates a well balanced, unique and multifaceted identity.

Being British Nigerian means I navigate two worlds with pride and purpose. It’s knowing that my heritage is not something to be diluted but rather something to be celebrated and shared. It’s wearing my heritage on my sleeve—whether it’s through the clothes I choose, the food I cook, or the stories I tell—while also fully participating in the British society that I call home.

Ultimately, being British Nigerian is about duality and unity. It’s knowing that I am both, fully and completely, without having to choose one over the other. It’s a celebration of diversity within myself, a constant dialogue between my past and present, and a deep appreciation for the ways in which both cultures have shaped me. It is my identity, complex and beautiful, rooted in tradition but always growing, always evolving.

How do you stay connected to your identity?

I stay connected through my work which takes me back to Nigeria from time to time. I am also connected through my research and consumption of narratives about Yoruba and African history and mythology. These inform the work I create and breathe life into my way of thinking. But most of all, I am connected through my family and community.

What  does culture mean to you?

Culture, to me, is the tapestry of life itself, woven from threads of memory, tradition, and shared experience. It is the silent language spoken through gestures, the unspoken understanding passed down through generations, and the vibrant expression of identity in all its forms.

It is the taste of food that tells a story of a land near but far away, the clothes that drape not just the body but the spirit, and the music that echoes the joys and sorrows of a people.

It is the lens through which I see the world, a guide that shapes my values, beliefs, and sense of self. It is fluid, evolving as I move between worlds, yet it remains a constant anchor to my roots.

Culture is the song of my people, the dance of my spirit, and the history written in the lines of my hands. It is the bridge that connects me to others, while also defining what makes me unique. In culture, I find both my belonging and my individuality, a place where the past, present, and future coexist, shaping the narrative of my life.

What do you imagine the future of the British Nigerian Community to look like in the next few years based on your industry?

In the coming years, I imagine the future of the British Nigerian community to continue thrive and grow as the threads of both worlds start to blend. The art industry already growing rapidly, as the minds of British Nigerians are being celebrated in the space of the uk more frequently. The British Nigerian community will continue to rise, with its artists, musicians, writers, and performers serving as cultural ambassadors, bringing the vibrant culture of Nigeria into the space of the Uk.

I see a future where the art of the British Nigerian community not only flourishes but also influences the broader cultural landscape. Visual art will be a powerful medium, with Nigerian-inspired patterns, colors, and themes blending seamlessly with British styles, creating a unique aesthetic that speaks to the dual identity of its creators. Exhibitions already showcase works that tell stories of migration, resilience, and identity, with a voice that resonates across generations. For example last year my work was showcased in a group show at The Gagosian; one of the biggest and most influential galleries in the world. The exhibition was a monumental step in recognising the works of 15 contemporary African artists.

This flourishing of the arts will not just be a reflection of the British Nigerian community’s growing presence but will also serve as a means of empowerment. The younger generation will look to artists as role models, finding pride in their heritage and confidence in their ability to navigate and shape the world around them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asiko_artist/