JOKE AMUSAN
My inspiration comes from many places, but most of all, from conversations. My practice began with dialogues I had with my younger self where I tried to put language to my experiences. Over time, it has expanded to exchanges with family, friends, and strangers. These interactions shape my understanding of identity, heritage, and memory - key themes in my work. I’m drawn to the stories we carry, the way personal histories intertwine with larger cultural narratives, and how these dialogues influence the way we see ourselves and the spaces we inhabit. I am also inspired by nature and its resilience in the face of changing seasons.
While most of my artworks are not functional in the traditional sense, I do think about how materials carry meaning beyond their immediate form. How they hold stories, histories, and emotional weight within a space. I am drawn to the idea that art doesn’t always have to be confined to galleries; it can live in spaces where people interact with it daily, forming part of their personal narratives. I see my practice evolving in a way that considers how art can also be a lived experience, existing in dialogue with the spaces it inhabits.
Joke Amusan is a German-Nigerian artist based in London, England. Her art practice illuminates the rich and multifaceted experiences of Black womanhood. Through her exploration of identity, heritage, and migration, she creates immersive installations and evocative sculptures that engage multiple senses. Challenging preconceived notions and perceptions. Her art serves as a conversational bridge: inspiring women to come together, share their stories, and unapologetically embrace their authentic selves.
Joke’s work has been exhibited across the UK, USA, and Europe in renowned galleries such as Tate Modern, The ICA, and The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta. In recognition of her practice, she was nominated for the “Female Founder” award in The Independent Awards in 2022 and was a finalist in The Ingram Prize in 2023.
The order of my journey to create an artwork is ever-changing. Typically, for my text-based works, the process begins the moment a thought or a conversation on a subject I’ve been contemplating occurs. To make my art accessible, I find ways to condense what might have been a long conversation into a short statement/narrative. The purpose of is to serve as conversation starters for those who interact with my artwork, and from there, the cycle hopefully repeats itself.
I often use stitch work to not only weave in the narratives, but also to bind and mend. To me, it reflects acts of repair, care, and healing. Stitching also holds deep resonance in my practice as it connects to Nigerian traditions where textiles has long been used to convey identity, heritage, and storytelling. These techniques are not just about creating texture and form, but also reimagining and restoring - whether through the materials themselves or the narratives.
“My primary mediums are hessian and red yarn, both carrying multiple layers of meaning. The hessian symbolises migration, endurance, and survival—its raw, coarse texture contrasted with its delicate manipulation. While the red yarn with its soft nature carries a gentle urgency while also reminding us of our interconnectedness (the blood that runs through our veins). It acts as a call to action, demanding to be seen.”
