About me

Tobi Adebayo (born Adebayo Oluwatobi James, 2000) is a multi-disciplinary artist and activist renowned for his intriguing and thought-provoking works that inspire unity, hope and Faith (UHF). Born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, before moving to another city at age 9. Tobi’s creative journey began at a tender age, nurtured by his family’s rich artistic heritage, where everyone has their diverse creative abilities. 

Tobi’s exceptional artistic talents were evident from the age of four, when he demonstrated a remarkable ability to draw and paint from elementary school. This innate gift was further honed during his college years, where he studied Industrial Design (Graphics) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Although his artistic pursuits were temporarily halted due to bullying experiences barely after gaining admission into high school which had him consciously stop making arts for 7 years, until college days. Despite going through all of that, Tobi’s passion for art remained unshaken regardless.
Today, Tobi’s artistic expression spans multiple mediums, including charcoal, graphites, acrylics, digital art and a unique stamp art technique which he’s currently exploring. This innovative approach involves stamping repeatedly across the canvas, which gives him an opportunity to carefully express unity in diversity while pushing the boundaries of making arts with pencils and paint brushes. Through his Art, Tobi seeks to reform people, systems and structures by sparking meaningful conversations and bringing people into tangible experiences. His creative philosophy is rooted in the belief that “you cannot bring people into an experience of what you haven’t experienced”, this makes him live a quite dedicated life. Tobi’s ultimate goal is to reignite people’s hope even in unity with one another; despite differences, while staying within the confines of faith.
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Tobi is really dedicated to using art as a tool for social impact and innovation. Through his activism, Art for Everyone, he empowers children in orphanages, local streets and vulnerable children/adults through artistic engagements. This initiative aims to provide a platform for creative expression, promoting emotional intelligence, self-awareness and confidence for the people. By sharing his passion for Art, Tobi continues to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, inspiring them to become active participants in shaping their own future.
Drawing inspiration from the chief creative being, God, the creator of the universe and not only his creations. Following his transition into the professional art industry in 2018, Tobi’s artwork has been featured in various publications, he earned grants and has worked with over 200 clients locally and abroad for commissions and collaborations. Tobi has also received recognition from notable figures such as Mercy Chinwo, Ademola Lookman, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, Yinka Okeleye, Bobo Ajudua, and has directly worked with some of them.
As he continues to push the boundaries of Art, Tobi remains committed to using his creative voice to inspire positive change and promote a message of Unity, Hope and Faith (UHF).