Artist Biography
Abraham Babajide Cole is a Nigerian-born multidisciplinary artist working across painting, drawing, illustration, sculpture, textile printmaking, and digital design. His practice is deeply rooted in visual storytelling, drawing inspiration from nature, antiques, cultural memory, and the layered experiences of migration, identity, and the human condition.
In early 2025, Cole presented Ijinle Ara (The Depth of Self) at Omeka Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria. This solo exhibition delved into themes of introspection and self-discovery, continuing his profound engagement with portraiture and personal narratives.
In April 2024, Cole unveiled Suns of Egypt, a solo exhibition at Blank Wall Gallery in Athens, Greece, featuring twelve drawings inspired by Biblical and Quranic narratives. The series extended his exploration of spiritual identity and migration through expressive portraiture and symbolism.
In October 2022, he debuted his first solo exhibition, Deep Introspection, at ArtRooms Gallery in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
As part of the Mayor of London’s Untold Stories Project (2024), Cole collaborated with The Culture Tree to design and produce a monumental public art installation celebrating Yoruba cultural heritage. The installation, unveiled in Peckham for Southwark City Council, underscores themes of inclusion, community, and Black international artistry.
Currently, Cole is collaborating with The Global Fund and M&C Saatchi London on a textile-based design campaign focused on raising awareness and encouraging collective action in the fight against malaria in Nigeria. The project is part of The Global Fund’s international campaign to showcase unity in the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria. Through traditional motifs and contemporary pattern-making, Cole’s contribution blends visual culture with public health advocacy, reflecting the transformative power of art to drive global change.
Cole studied Fine Art and Design at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria (2005-2012). Prior to becoming a full-time studio artist in 2020, he worked extensively as an art and creative director in Nigeria’s communication and advertising industries for over 15 years. His work continues to evolve across disciplines, bridging social themes, heritage, and imaginative form.
CV | Abraham Babajide Cole
Born in 1984. Lagos, Nigeria. Resides and work in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
EDUCATION
2012 Art Design, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos- Nigeria. 2007 Fine Art, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos- Nigeria.
UPCOMING EXHIBITION / PROJECTS
2025 Bound by Roots, Divided by Paths. Dudley National Library, West Midlands, UK
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2025 Injinle Ara - The Depth of Self, Omeka Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria 2024 Suns of Egypt. Blank Wall Gallery, Athens, Greece. 2022 Deep Introspection, ArtRooms Gallery, Kings Heath, Birmingham, UK
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025 Nook Gallery Yellow Group Exhibition. Nook Gallery, Kings Heat, Birmingham, UK 2025 ORT Gallery Members Exhibition. Stryx Art Gallery, Birmingham, UK 2024 Holy Art Group Exhibition ETHERAL. Shacklewell Lane London, United Kingdom 2023 United Artist of South Birmingham Group View. Mosley Exchange Hall, Birmingham, UK 2023 EBAY Black History Month Creative Art Show. Richmond, London, United Kingdom 2022 Arter Barter. Kings Heath Art Exhibition. Birmingham, UK 2022 ORT Gallery Members Exhibition. ORT Gallery Mosley Art Museum Birmingham, UK 2020 Back to School Orphanage Fund raising Exhibition, Lagos, Nigeria.
PROJECT/ WORKSHOPS/ PUBLICATIONS
2025 The Welcome Family Art Workshop, Mosley, ORT Gallery Mosley Art Museum Birmingham, UK 2024 The Yoruba Heritage Installation Art at London, Peckham, Southwark City Council Square, UK 2020 Jury New York Festival Award, USA 2024 The Southwark City Newspaper feature on Yoruba Heritage Installation Art at London, UK 2022 Featured in the Monthly Mosley Art Magazine, UK 2020 Creative Art Personality of the Year Publication in the Marketing Edge Creative Art Sector Magazine. Lagos- Nigeria
AWARDS
2020 Creative Art Personality of the Year. Lagos- Nigeria 2020 Social Impact Category in Design, Bronze Medal at the African Crystal Festival Award Marrakesh, Morocco.