The Tracey Emin Foundation has announced IyunOla Sanyaolu as one of the artists selected for its highly competitive 2025–26 Artist Residency. Set in Margate, the program offers studio space, mentorship, and a dynamic environment that fosters self-directed artistic development over an 18-month period.

Sanyaolu, born in 1998, is a Lagos-based artist whose practice centers on materiality, texture, and the physicality of paint. A graduate of the University of Lagos, she employs a distinct method she describes as “sculpting with paint,” where she repurposes paint residues to build layered, tactile compositions. Her work navigates the interplay between abstraction and figuration, engaging psychological and emotional themes through bold textures and a nuanced approach to color.

Her rise in the art world has been marked by several accolades, including being named Female Visual Artist of the Year by the University of Lagos in 2018. In 2019, she joined the Arts in Medicine (AIM) program, which explores the intersection of art, healthcare, and well-being. This interdisciplinary approach informs much of her work, imbuing her canvases with a sense of depth and introspection.

As part of the residency lead-up, Sanyaolu’s work will feature in TEAR 26, a group exhibition running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. This showcase will introduce the nine artists selected for the program, offering audiences a preview of their evolving practices before the residency formally begins in April 2025.

The Tracey Emin Residency has gained recognition for its rigorous yet flexible structure, providing artists with the space to experiment and refine their craft. Though non-accredited, the program delivers an experience akin to a postgraduate study, fostering independent artistic inquiry within a supportive network of mentors and peers.

For Sanyaolu, this marks a pivotal moment in her career—one that promises deep engagement, critical dialogue, and the opportunity to push her practice into new dimensions.