Babatunde Tobi Bello: Exploring Identity, Memory and Belonging Through Art

1. Artist Biography

Babatunde Tobi Bello is a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist based in Derby, United Kingdom. His artistic practice explores themes of identity, memory, hope, belonging and human relationships. With an educational background in Art Education and Fine and Applied Arts, he uses art as a medium to examine personal experiences, cultural narratives and the relationships between people and their environments.

His artistic expression combines expressive figurative imagery, bold colours and distinctive root-like patterns. These patterns serve as visual symbols of the experiences, memories, relationships and struggles that shape human identity over time.

Through his work, Tobi encourages viewers to reflect on the visible and invisible influences that shape individual lives and collective experiences. His practice seeks to inspire meaningful conversations about identity, history, belonging and the complexities of the human condition.

His participation in the Black History Month Exhibition 2026 at St George’s Gallery in Gravesend, Kent, provides an opportunity to share his artistic perspective with a wider audience, connect with fellow artists and explore important cultural and human narratives through visual storytelling.

2. How does it feel to be exhibiting at the Gravesham Black History Month Exhibition 2026?

Participating in the Black History Month Exhibition 2026 at St George’s Gallery in Gravesend is a meaningful experience for me.

As a Nigerian artist living and practising in the United Kingdom, I value opportunities like this to share my perspective with a wider audience and engage with other artists whose work explores different aspects of human experience.

For me, the exhibition is more than an opportunity to display my paintings. It is a chance to contribute to conversations about identity, history, culture and belonging through visual storytelling. I am grateful to have my work presented in a gallery setting alongside that of other talented artists and to be part of an exhibition that celebrates Black histories, creativity and contributions.

3. What does Black History Month mean to you as a Nigerian artist?

Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and reflect on Black histories, achievements, cultures and contributions. It also encourages us to consider the stories that shape our understanding of who we are, where we come from and how our experiences influence the future.

As an artist, I believe visual art has the power to contribute to these conversations in a unique way. A painting can encourage people to pause, reflect and connect with experiences that may be different from their own.

Through my work, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding of identity and belonging while celebrating the richness, diversity and complexity of human experiences.

4. Tell us about the three artworks you are exhibiting.

Between Identity and Law

Between Identity and Law explores the relationship between identity, adaptation and the rules that influence who we become. It reflects on how living in new environments can shape our sense of self while our histories, personal experiences and societal expectations continue to influence our choices and identities.

Unseen Hands

Unseen Hands examines the unseen forces that influence the course of our lives, including destiny, personal choices, circumstances, time and the consequences of our actions. The work raises questions about how much control we truly have over our lives and the extent to which external influences shape who we become.

Tracing Myself

Tracing Myself reflects on the personal journey of self-discovery and the search for identity beyond the image we present to the world. It considers the layers of experience, memory and emotion that make us who we are, acknowledging that some of the most important aspects of our identities are not immediately visible.

5. How would you describe your artistic style?

I would describe my practice as expressive and figurative, with a strong focus on identity and human experiences. I work with bold colours, expressive figures and distinctive root-like patterns to communicate ideas and emotions that often extend beyond what is immediately visible on the canvas.

The root-like patterns are particularly important to my work. They symbolise the experiences, relationships, memories and struggles that become embedded in us and influence how we understand ourselves and relate to others.

I want my paintings to engage viewers visually while also encouraging them to look deeper, consider the stories behind the images and reflect on the emotions and ideas that emerge from the work.

6. What do you hope people take away from your artwork?

I hope people leave with something meaningful to reflect on, whether it is a question about their identity, a personal memory, a relationship or an experience that has shaped their lives.

I do not expect everyone to interpret my paintings in the same way. In fact, I believe that different interpretations are part of what makes art powerful. Each viewer brings their own history, emotions and experiences to the work.

What matters most to me is that my paintings create a connection and encourage people to look beyond the surface. If someone spends time with a piece and discovers a meaning that resonates with their own life, I feel the artwork has accomplished something important.