Balafaama: Finding Chaos, Healing, and Authenticity Through Art

Balafaama’s work stands as a powerful exploration of mental health struggles—a theme that remains deeply stigmatized in much of Nigerian society. Drawing from her own lived experiences, Balafaama creates art that feels intensely personal yet universally resonant, a reflection of the emotional terrain she navigates through each brushstroke.

Her journey as an artist began in Lagos, where she confronted societal disapproval of the subjects she explored. Nigeria’s socio-religious landscape often casts mental health discussions into the shadows, making self-expression an act of quiet defiance. It was her relocation to the UK in February 2022, however, that opened new pathways for her creativity to flourish. The move allowed her to work with greater artistic freedom, away from judgmental scrutiny, and encouraged her to fully embrace the vulnerable honesty that defines her practice.

Balafaama describes her artistic style as “chaotic,” a word that perfectly captures both the emotional turmoil she processes and the bold energy with which she approaches her canvas. For her, chaos isn’t destructive—it’s cathartic. “When I paint something and at least one person understands how I felt when I made this piece, I feel very seen,” she says. This connection—between the artist and the viewer—is what she considers the true marker of success.

Her works often focus on moments of emotional intensity: isolation, overwhelm, or quiet despair, but they also carry undertones of resilience and release.

Whether it’s through jagged brushstrokes, vivid colors that bleed into one another, or abstract forms that feel tangled and unresolved, Balafaama’s work speaks directly to those who have felt unseen or misunderstood.

Balafaama’s career is already building momentum. Having exhibited her art in both Lagos and the UK, she is now looking to broaden her horizons. With plans to explore new mediums and techniques, her goal remains deeply personal: to continue reaching audiences who share her struggles and help them feel a little less alone. Her work taps into the beauty of imperfection—where raw vulnerability becomes something transformative and healing.

In Balafaama’s hands, art transcends societal and cultural boundaries. Her journey speaks to the power of authenticity and emotional truth in a world that often seeks to suppress them. It is

Through her chaos that she finds clarity, and through her art that she offers comfort, understanding, and connection to those who need it most.