BIO
Kemi Oloyede (kxmolo) is an interdisciplinary scientist and artist (they/them). They are based in London and are of British-Nigerian descent.
Their work was born out of boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic (particularly during the first UK lockdown) and was created in efforts to uplift those in the queer Black community.
Kemi holds a Foundation diploma in Art and Design from the University for the Creative Arts, a BSc in Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science from Coventry University and a MSc in Analytical Toxicology from King’s College London.
They are currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences. Although they are now studying, they anticipate the exploration of making meaningful connections between art, science and culture during this time.
Their illustration style can be likened to dynamic comic and manga illustrations, drawing from influences in Black queer culture, Afrofuturism, science fiction, 90s Nollywood references and 90s/2000s anime.
They have a great interest in artwork which encompasses aspects of art and science, and this plays a large theme in their work. They aim to create work which is a visual and cultural display of identity, in conjunction with scientific theory and aesthetics, as well assessing the relationship between them.
The clients Kemi has worked with include BBC, Channel 4, TikTok, Studio Moross, Science Gallery London and Ogilvy.
Exhibitions
Rooted exhibition, a virtual exhibition held by Ogilvy and MediaCom for Black History Month in October 2020
Covert exhibition at the Jubliee Library, Brighton, 21 May to 4 June 2021
Plus X Innovation hub, Brighton, 28 May to 25 July 2021
Neurodivergence exhibition, Neurodivergent Association, Livesey Exchange, 27 October 2021
Press
Buzzfeed | 15 Talented Black Artists You Should Know About
Chapter Z | YOUNG, BLACK & IN STEM: KEMI OLOYEDE