BIOGRAPHY
Tosin Josh is a self-taught photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria, with a passion for art in its many forms. His artistic journey began in childhood, exploring drawing, painting, crafting, and sound engineering. What started as a side hustle in photography has evolved into a significant part of his career.
Tosin has collaborated with prominent organizations such as UBA, Zenith Bank, HushD.ng, and RedTV, and his work has been featured on various platforms across Africa. With over 130,000 followers on social media, he recognizes the vast potential still ahead of him.
Inspired by his love for Lagos, his home, and the rich culture of Africa, Tosin creates unique art using the local kainkain sponge. In November 2024, he held his first solo exhibition at Utilitied Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, showcasing his journey of self-discovery and artistic reconnection. At heart, he is an artist dedicated to exploring the endless possibilities of his craft.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Kainkain embodies my authentic self and my deepest roots. My history with the material runs deep; my grandmother sold local sponges, and I vividly remember the transformative act of shaping them. This nostalgia emerged as I began my current project, driven by the belief that anything can be created from anything.
While photography started as a business, requiring me to pause my artistic endeavors, making art has connected me to my old self—the young boy who made things with his own hands. I was able to channel my soul into each of these pieces. Now, the camera is just one of the many tools I use in expressing myself.
Ultimately, Kainkain, made from a plant, symbolizes the essence of roots, bridging my childhood experiences and my artistic journey. This exhibition is not only a celebration of my art but also a tribute to the materials I work with and the endless possibilities they represent.