Olalekan Kelani, born in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, is a UK-based artist whose deep connection with his surroundings began in childhood. His formal education diverged from art, leading him to earn a Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering from the University of Ilorin in 2021 and a master of science in Project Management from the University of Portsmouth, UK.

Despite this, his heart remained with photography.

Professionally, Kelani began his fine art career in 2021, though he had been working as a freelance fine art and travel photographer since 2015. Notable exhibitions include the Motayo Gallery Virtual Exhibition in the UK and a solo exhibition at the University of Portsmouth, titled, “Ethereal Ecosystem: Nature and Fine Art Photography.”

Kelani’s participation in the Chania International Photo Festival in Greece further emphasised the universal appeal of his visual narratives.

In 2023, Kelani relocated to the UK to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Portsmouth, enriching his photography practice with new cultural and artistic influences.

“Living in a different country provided me with fresh perspectives and a broader network within the diverse artistic community in the UK. As a diaspora artist, I blend my Nigerian roots with the international influences I encounter, creating a unique narrative that bridges cultural divides and celebrates global interconnectedness,” he explained.

Kelani does not create loud or flashy images. Instead, his photos are calm, reflective, and full of meaning. His photographs stand out for their emotional depth, quiet beauty, and thoughtful message.

He also brings an important voice to the global art scene.

As a Nigerian artist, he doesn’t rely on stereotypes or try to make his work feel ‘exotic’. Instead, he presents honest stories that ask viewers to think differently about nature, culture and change. His photographs don’t demand attention—they reward it.

At the Land Water Sky show, which held at Open Gallery in Halifax from September 19 to October 9, 2024, he showed two major works: Ship Castle of Hope and The Magical View of Hope.

These images were part of a larger show about how people connect with nature — and how fragile that connection could be. In Ship Castle of Hope, there is a mysterious structure that looks like both a ship and a castle, placed in a wide, empty landscape. The scene feels lonely but strong — like a symbol of survival and memory. The photo doesn’t tell you exactly what to feel, but it makes you think about history, struggle, and moving forward.

While The Magical View of Hope offers a softer mood. In this photo, light shines across the image in a peaceful, almost dreamlike way. It gives a feeling of hope, while also reminding viewers that hope is something often found during difficult times.

Kelani’s use of light, colour, and natural details shows great skill—not just with the camera, but with emotion and meaning. These themes are not new in Kelani’s work. He often explores important topics like the environment, cultural identity, and the effects of colonialism. In past exhibitions in Nigeria, Brazil, and Europe, he has shown the same thoughtful approach—always respectful, never overdramatic. He speaks through his images, asking the viewer to look deeper.

What makes Kelani’s work special in this exhibition is its quiet power. In a time when many artists try to shock or impress, Kelani focuses on reflection. His photos don’t shout—they invite you to pause and feel. Ship Castle of Hope feels like a memory frozen in time. The Magical View of Hope gently shows that beauty and strength can still be found in quiet moments.

In Land Water Sky, Kelani’s work adds balance, emotion, and deep thought. He reminds us that we are not separate from the environment—we are part of it. His photos don’t give easy answers, but they ask meaningful questions: What do we hold on to? What gives us hope? And how do we begin again?

Kelani’s two pieces are not only visually beautiful—they are also important. They show us that art can be quiet and powerful at the same time. With these works, he continues to grow as a photographer, a storyteller, and a thoughtful voice in today’s art world.

“Ship Castle of Hope and The Magical View of Hope in the Land Water Sky exhibition were inspired by places connected to the sea and history. They speak about journeys, longing, and hope. The ships and castles in the images stand for strength and the search for something better. They also reflect on the past, especially the history of movement and memory,” he says.

On his creative process when developing these photographs, he says: “I start by researching the location. I look for places with deep stories—especially those with historical or cultural meaning. I take time to study the light, texture, and mood of the place. I try to create a photo that feels quiet, thoughtful, and full of meaning. Every part of the image is planned to tell a deeper story.”

His photographs often explore themes of environment, cultural identity, and colonialism. “My Nigerian roots are very important to me. I’m inspired by the places I grew up in, the stories I heard, and the buildings and landscapes around me. They influence how I see the world and how I choose to tell stories through my camera,” he muses.

According to him, “these themes are a part of who I am. I come from a place with a long and complicated history. I use photography to explore how that history still lives in buildings, land, and daily life. It’s a way to keep the past alive and ask questions about how it shapes us today.”

He says, “I believe in the power of silence. I use soft light, balanced shapes, and thoughtful framing. This helps the viewer slow down and really look. I want each photo to feel like a quiet space where people can pause and reflect.”

Though he doesn’t mention names in his portfolio, he admires photographers who focus on identity, history, and place. “Their quiet, powerful images have shaped how I approach my own work,” he says. “I hope my work makes people look more closely at the world around them. I want them to see the hidden stories in everyday places. My photos ask people to remember, reflect, and maybe even think about how history affects us all.”

He wants to keep exploring themes such as memory, environment, and identity. He also believes in adding personal stories, spiritual ideas, or even mix photography with words or sound. “There is still a lot I want to say through my art,” he reflects.