Favour Olayinka Abimbola: The role of an artist in Edmonton

Favour Olayinka Abimbola is an Edmonton-based artist and University of Alberta student who uses creative work to connect with others and express emotion. Although she has always been artistic, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Abimbola began pursuing her crafts more seriously. Through painting, conté, photography, and vlogging, Abimbola shares her experiences and emotions with the world. Through these methods, she builds connections with the community and highlights the role of artists in Edmonton.

“Finding that sense of self has [allowed] me to communicate and reach different groups of people a lot more, especially with art,” Abimbola explained.

Abimbola’s work emphasizes emotion and expression to convey feelings to viewers, rather than to deliver a specific message. She was recently involved in the Art Gallery of Alberta’s (AGA) latest exhibition 5 Artists 1 Love from February 1 to March 30. 5 Artists 1 Love is an annual exhibition in honour of Black History Month that showcases work from Edmonton’s African-Canadian communities.

Abimbola has used different media in order to passionately connect with Edmonton. One of her many focuses is connecting with different demographics through photography, vlogging, and painting. She mentioned that her time at the AGA allowed her to have different conversations with people about her work. Even when they don’t interpret her pieces how she did initially, they still feel the intended meaning.

“I think that’s something that’s very important to me. I never want you to see exactly what I saw, because there’s no point in that,” Abimbola said. “But you could still get the message and still convey a similar meaning where you’re able to leave with the impression of happiness. Or an impression of deep thought or thinking about life and the meaning of why you’re here. I think that’s a bit more that’s working for me.”

“I don’t think I’ve felt as much love in such a confined space,” Abimbola says

Abimbola described her personal experience with the artistic community as very welcoming. Edmonton has had a significant push in the last year for young local artists, according to Abimbola. She described the city as a great place to showcase work. There are grants and initiatives like AGA that support artists in the city and foster a home for artists like Abimbola.

 “[The exhibit] was incredible. I’m still in awe and in shock of that experience because everyone was so supportive. I don’t think I’ve felt as much love in such a confined space. Everyone was so excited to see my work,” Abimbola said.

Abimbola also called on the U of A to celebrate art more, and put more art around campus. She expressed wanting the U of A to “[create] foundations and grants, especially for artists that are not necessarily in the faculty of the arts.”

“How can we get more art into the university and how can the university be more expressive?” Abimbola said.

Abimbola hopes to collaborate with the U of A, hopefully bringing about some of these changes, either working within the faculty of arts or the faculty of engineering.

“I believe that my role, especially in Edmonton, is to continue to spread the love and continue to foster an environment that promotes wellness, love, and self-growth.”

Abimbola has a vision for the art scene — one of greater inclusivity, collaboration, and support. She believes that the artistic community in Edmonton is a welcoming space. However, she also said how there is more that can be done. For Abimbola, art is not just a creative outlet. It is a tool to spark dialogue, build connections, and strengthen our community.