Jadé Fadojutimi, Taught Thought 2021. Acrylic, oil, and oilstick on canvas, 200 by 300 cm. Sold for $780,000 at Sotheby’s. Image: Sotheby’s

Jadé Fadojutimi is revolutionizing the art world with her large-scale abstract paintings. Her career, auction successes, and emotional approach to painting are intriguing.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Jadé Fadojutimi is one of the most exciting young artists to emerge from Britain in recent years. Born in 1993 and based in London, Fadojutimi has quickly made a name for herself within the global art scene. A graduate of two of the most prestigious art institutions in the world—the Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal College of Art—her work has garnered significant attention from critics, collectors, and galleries alike. Known for her large-scale abstract paintings, Fadojutimi’s art is deeply personal and emotionally charged. They offer a unique perspective on contemporary painting. The evolution of Fadojutimi’s career and her creative process are fascinating. Even more intriguing are the factors that made her one of the most prominent rising stars in contemporary art.

Jadé Fadojutimi’s artistic journey began with challenges that many emerging artists face, yet it was precisely these struggles that shaped her unique approach to painting. Unlike many of her peers, Fadojutimi did not take the traditional route into the art world. She entered the Slade School of Fine Art without completing a foundation year and without extensive exposure to fine art at home. As she revealed in interviews, this lack of formal art education made her initially feel vulnerable, especially compared to her classmates who had more background knowledge in art history and contemporary practices.

However, Fadojutimi soon realized that her lack of conventional art training would become a gift rather than a hindrance. Embracing her diverse influences—from fashion and nature to music, gaming, and her Nigerian heritage—she began to see art as a reflection of life itself. This newfound understanding enabled her to create work that was not only visually striking but also rich in emotional depth and personal meaning.

Synesthesia and Emotional Expression

One of the most fascinating aspects of Fadojutimi’s work is the influence of emotional synesthesia. This condition, in which the senses come together, allows the artist to experience emotions as sensory experiences, such as seeing colors or shapes in response to emotions. This unique perspective informs much of Fadojutimi’s art, particularly her use of color and form to evoke deep emotional responses in the viewer.

Fadojutimi’s paintings often blend abstract shapes with subtle figurative elements. This allows the viewer to interpret the work using their experience. As the artist herself stated in her 2021 book Jesture, she aims to convey “deep emotion, not deep description.” This approach allows her art to resonate on a visceral level, inviting viewers to engage with her work in a deeply personal way.

For Fadojutimi, the studio is not just a place where she creates art—it is an essential part of her creative process. Describing her studio as akin to a bedroom, Jadé Fadojutimi curates the space with objects that inspire introspection and emotional connection. This highly personal space provides the environment she needs to engage in the physical and emotional intensity required for her art.

Her approach to painting is both instinctive and physical. Jadé Fadojutimi is famous for her ability and stamina to work through the night. She channels her emotions into her canvases during these moments of intense creative flow. Fadojutimi often refers to her process as “witchcraft,” emphasizing the almost magical connection between herself, her emotions, and the canvas. This deeply emotional, sometimes frenzied approach results in highly expressive works. They convey an energy and vitality that is palpable to the viewer.

Jadé Fadojutimi’s Breakout Moments and Recognition

Fadojutimi’s rise to prominence has been marked by a series of significant achievements. In 2020, she made history by becoming the youngest artist ever to have work collected by the Tate. This was a major milestone in her career. Her painting I Present Your Royal Highness (2018) was acquired by the prestigious institution at the age of 27, cementing her place as a leading figure in contemporary art.

The acquisition by Tate was just the beginning. Fadojutimi’s works have continued to be in high demand at major art auctions. She is breaking records and attracting attention from collectors worldwide. In May 2023, her painting The Woven Warped Garden of Ponder (2021) sold for a staggering £1,552,500 ($1,986,310) at Christie’s London, making it one of the top-selling works by an ultra-contemporary artist that year. In November, her work, Taught Thought 2021, sold for 780,000 USD during Sotheby’s ‘The Now and Contemporary Evening Auction’ in New York. The painting, measuring 200 by 300 cm, is created with acrylic, oil, and oilstick on canvas. It showcases the artist’s signature style, featuring a dynamic interplay of pink, cobalt, orange, and green lines. These lines cascade energetically across the surface, conveying a sense of power and restlessness. The composition expresses urgency and spontaneity.

In addition to her success at auction, Jadé Fadojutimi has become a key figure in the international art scene. Her solo exhibitions at leading galleries such as Gagosian, Galerie Gisela Capitain, and Taka Ishii Gallery have further cemented her reputation as one of the most exciting emerging artists of her generation. Her 2022 solo exhibition at Gagosian’s booth at Frieze London was met with critical acclaim. In late 2023, she held her debut solo exhibition at Gagosian’s New York gallery, further expanding her global reach. The reception at DWELVE: A Goosebump in Memory, her recent exhibition at Gagosian New York, shows how people continue to appreciate her work.

The Role of Galleries and Representation in Fadojutimi’s Career

Fadojutimi’s success has been fueled in part by her representation at some of the world’s most prestigious galleries. She is represented by Gagosian in New York, Galerie Gisela Capitain in Berlin, and Taka Ishii Gallery in Tokyo. These representations help her showcase her work on a global stage. Her partnership with Gagosian, in particular, has been pivotal in her rise to prominence.

When asked about her decision to join Gagosian, Fadojutimi expressed her desire to align herself with a gallery that could support her potential and inspire others, particularly younger artists. As a Black woman in the art world, Fadojutimi continues to show endless possibilities. She keeps proving that it is possible to reach the highest levels of success, even in the face of adversity.

Jadé Fadojutimi: Auction Success and Market Impact

Fadojutimi’s presence in the art market has been extraordinary. In 2023, she ranked highly on Artnet’s “Most Bankable” list of ultra-contemporary artists, with an 86% sell-through rate at auction and total sales exceeding $6 million. Her work has consistently performed well at major auction houses such as Christie’s and Phillips, with several works selling for over a million dollars.

Fadojutimi’s auction record continues to grow, with each sale pushing her market value higher. Her work’s combination of emotional depth, visual intensity, and cultural relevance has made it highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Fadojutimi’s creative ability transcends the boundaries of traditional abstract art. She brings a personal, emotional dimension to her paintings. This quality has set her apart from her peers, making her one of the most important young artists working today.

Jadé Fadojutimi: Incredibly Bright Future

Jadé Fadojutimi’s future looks incredibly bright as an artist. With each new exhibition and auction result, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art. Her unique approach to abstraction, emotional synesthesia, and figuration ensures that her work resonates deeply with audiences and collectors alike.

Fadojutimi’s commitment to staying true to her vision and embracing her diverse influences continues to shape her creativity. It guarantees that her work will keep evolving in exciting ways. With her international recognition growing, Fadojutimi’s market success will continue to rise. She is destined for even greater achievements in the art world in the years to come.