People

Michael Segilola

6 - 21 September 2019

Born in Lagos Nigeria, Michael Segilola moved to London 30 years ago for a better quality of life. He is now pursuing his dream, to show case his artwork to an international audience.

Michael started his career at Gee’s a gentleman’s barber shop tucked away in Kensal Rise, North West London. In January 2001, in the neighbouring Kensal Green, he and his wife Jane opened a hair salon, Funkycolour.

In 2013 he fell ill and suffered a stroke, in recovering he decided to seize life. Already having a passion he started to paint. Michael collected unwanted items that littered the streets to be used and recycled in his artwork. Overtime Michael began to create pieces that he would display in the salon. Soon enquires were being made on whether they were for sale. His first exhibition, very successful, was at the Willesden Gallery in September 2017.

Michael’s unique artwork takes inspiration from his life growing up in Nigeria. His pieces are vibrant, strong and experiment with colour, texture and reusing various materials. From textured pieces using fabric, bottle tops, sweet wrappers, cans and plastic that he assembles in vast colourful collages, sculptures and painted faces.

In the last 2 years the direction of his work has developed and has become even more environmentally aware. Michael felt it was time to have his second exhibition.