In Carol Muthiga-Oyekunle's artwork, women are portrayed as symbolic warriors, radiating strength and joy. Combining digital and mixed-media collage methods with photography and vivid graphical elements, the artist skillfully interweaves techniques to create bold and brilliant portraits of her female subjects. The resulting art depicts themes from the past, present and imagined futures, holding up a mirror to a patriarchal society.
Scroll down to learn more about Carol's stunning works and to read our full Q&A.
“Her hair is her adornment and her clothing is her armour”
Q. Your work with LUMAS depicts women in strong poses, combines with vibrant colours. Are these representations of yourself? Real people? or inspired by your everyday life?
A. The female figures in my work are representations of strong women who have overcome difficult circumstances. Some are my friends and others are cultural icons. I always try to find the joy amid the chaos. Oftentimes, the images end up being abstract self-portraits. I see myself in each of them. My art is my activism.
Q. You spent some time in Alberta. Can you tell us about that experience and how it has influenced you?
A. I received my Bachelor of Design degree in Visual Communication & Photography from the University of Alberta. Initially, I began my studies in Civil Engineering and quickly realized that my brain is artistically wired. For the first time, I started to make life choices based on what would bring me joy and fulfillment, rather than living up to expectations. At the time, Edmonton was humorously referred to as "Deadmonton", so I definitely learned to be resilient and making the most out of any situation..
Q. Also founding your own accessory brand in 2013, do you consider yourself an artist first, or a creative that isn't bound by categories or mediums?
A. I consider myself a creative that works in several mediums: painting, photography, digital art, fashion and interiors.
Q. Why did you choose your children's names as your brand?
A. Becoming a mother was a pivotal moment in my life. My daughters, Chiara Lola and Siena Lorenza, are my greatest gifts. They challenge me, everyday, to be the best version of myself. Constantly evolving. Everything I do is for them, so it is only fitting that my brand bears their names.
Q. Tell us something that inspires your current work
A. Right now I am obsessed with the idea of morphing and motion. My work has always had the notion of duality at its core: nothing is ever just one thing.
Q. What's next for Carol/Lolita Lorenzo?
A. Watch this space :)
Q. Why did you move to Paris?
A. Simply: for love.
Q. Anything else we should know about you?
A. I often dream about being a percussionist in the Paris Philharmonic Orchestra. Playing Mahler, of course. Maybe in my next lifetime :)
