Meet Kay Ojo, the Artist behind the Jazz Resonance: Notes from the Thames Exhibition

The Gallery

In response to demand from local artists for exhibition space and to promote and celebrate our talented local artists, the London Arts Council and the City of London Culture Services have collaborated with RBC Place London to pilot The Gallery program at RBC Place London as part of our London Arts Live (LAL) program offerings.

The purpose of The Gallery is to promote the work of artists and creators residing in London and surrounding First Nations to display original artworks for exhibition, with sales opportunities, on highly prominent and specially designated wall space within this municipally owned building.

Artist Kay Ojo

For the seventh exhibition, The Gallery featured artworks created by Olukayode (Kay) Ojo, a Nigerian-born Canadian artist whose work blends contemporary and traditional African influences into a bold, abstract expressionist style. A graduate of the University of Benin, where he studied under renowned contemporary art masters, Kay earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with First Class Honours. His art is defined by spontaneity, loose brushstrokes, and emotive storytelling. His paintings have been exhibited in prestigious venues, including the 2022 Art à la Carte exhibition at the Legislative Building in Toronto. His works are also held in the collections of Museum London and The Art Emporium in Port Stanley. He has painted portraits of notable figures, including former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

An Interview with Kay Ojo

Jazz Resonance: Notes from the Thames by Kay Ojo

(August - December, 2025)

Q: Tell us the story behind the work that makes up this exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by?

A: The theme for this exhibition titled Jazz Resonance: Notes from the Thames is based on celebrating the City of London that was designated as the first UNESCO City of Music in 2023. Thankfully, I was invited as a guest artist to paint live at the event. I thought a jazz theme would fit as a body of work for this exhibition, to celebrate the vibrant music base in the city.

Q: What inspires you as an artist?

A: I am inspired by nature, society, music, abstract ideas, current affairs, history, and a longing to add to the beauty around me. This is actually a lot to draw inspirations from, and as evident in my art, I paint a wide range of themes. This is because I consider inspirations as borderless. As an artist, I am a channel of creativity in the hands of the Universe. That is more of a spiritual connection to my art, and I love to appreciate my art after signing it, trying to understand how I came about some of the art I create. I attempt to create the general atmosphere and the essence of things instead of realistic and beautiful pictures. I hope that my art would solve the ‘problems of the future’ by creating art that give happiness and peace. I believe that if the mind is constantly surrounded by beauty, by adding art as part of our homes, public facilities and landscapes, the world would be more peaceful as we would have less aggression, conflicts and wars.

Q: Walk us through the creative process behind this work. How do you go about making these paintings?

A: Honestly, I don’t have a work template for the actual creation process that is replicable. What is constant about my process is the use of the highest quality materials I can lay my hands on. I don’t compromise on top quality materials. The reason being that nobody knows when a masterpiece would be created, so I don’t want to end up with a great piece on paper towel. Then, I usually work on multiple canvases at a time. I usually start by subduing the surface by blinding it , and get a connection with the image I see on the canvas, then I go ahead with the creation. I occasionally just want to document a beautiful flower I see, or a beautiful sunset I witnessed, but generally, I only paint as my soul leads. I usually don’t attempt to create art that is beautiful. I just want to create art that is true. I love to suggest to the mind, and allow the audience to complete the story in their minds.

Q: Why does creativity matter to you?

A: I found myself in art not only because I love art and love to create it, but I believe art is a divine calling for me. It is a way of conveying emotive messages, peace and love to the audience.   

Q: What is it like being a creative here in London? Are there gaps that currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed?

A: London is a great city for an artist to live, create art, and collaborate with other artists as well as art groups and organizations. I have collaborated with the London Art Council in their London Arts Live programs. I have also displayed and sold my art through The Museum London gift shop. I have been a member of London Community Artists and the Lambeth Art Association in the past. I am still part of the London Artists’ Studio Tour. My work is currently in the ongoing ArtComp organized by 100 Kellogg Lane. I have also been in the art exhibitions at TAP Centre for Creativity organized by the Simple Reflections for Artists. London is active with art, and I am thankful to live here.

Q: What do you envision now for your future in the Arts here in London?

A: As a fulltime artist, I plan to continue with my art. I plan to create my art in other forms and use new and unconventional materials.

Q: What made you most excited about putting yourself out there to work with the London Arts Council and RBC Place London for this exhibition?

A: I appreciate the exciting opportunity to work with organizations like the London Arts Council and RBC Place London that have supported the creative industry in the city of London. It is a great chance to connect with the public and a platform to get my art across to larger audience.

Q: We hope to see lots more of your artwork around the city. Where else can we find your artwork?

A: Thank you for this great opportunity to collaborate with The London Art Council and RBC Place London to present my art to the art community and the City of London.

My works can be seen at:

·         ReForest London

·         Mezzanine at Convent Garden Market

·         Museum London gift shop

·         Private collections

·         Pop up shows

·         London Artist’s Studio Tour events

Contact:

Instagram: @kays.art_studio

Phone: 519-476-9695

Email: kays.art.studio@outlook.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olukayode-ojo-a008b61b2/

View Jazz Resonance: Notes from the Thames at RBC Place London on the following dates: October

Oct 23 (11:00am - 2:00pm)

Oct 24 (8:00am - 5:00pm)

Oct 25  (8:00am - 3:00pm)

November

Nov 3  (4:00pm - 8:00pm)

Nov 11 (2:00pm - 5:00pm)

Nov 15 (4:00pm - 8:00pm)

Nov 21 (5:00pm - 9:00pm)

Nov 22 (2:00pm - 8:00pm)

Nov 24 (3:00pm - 6:00pm)

Nov 25 (2:00pm - 8:00pm)

Nov 26 (11:00am - 4:00pm)

Nov 28 (2:00pm - 8:00pm)

Nov 29 (1:00pm - 6:00pm)

December 

Dec 12 (4:00pm - 10:00pm) **enter via the main doors on York St.**

The objectives of the Gallery program are: to create a beautiful, unique, and cultured atmosphere; provide compelling experiences for local, national, and international visitors; educate the public by presenting a series of diverse artworks created by local professional artists; and provide professional opportunities for local artists, including increased promotion, sales, and career enhancement.

For more information about this project or inquiries regarding purchasing artworks, please contact the London Arts Council at info@londonarts.ca