For Aduragbemi Okeyemi, photography transcends mere image capture; it serves as a language of emotion, memory, and artistic truth. The Nigerian-born creative artist, now based in Kent, England, has steadily established himself in the international photography scene through a distinctive visual style rooted in black-and-white fine art photography. With a background that blends fashion, graphic design, and literary studies, his journey reflects an evolving pursuit of storytelling through images that go beyond the ordinary.
From Fashion to Photography
Before photography became his primary artistic voice, Aduragbemi began his creative career as a fashion designer. For several years, he immersed himself in the world of style and aesthetics, developing a keen eye for detail, composition, and visual balance. However, in 2017, he discovered a deeper connection with photography, a medium that allowed him to communicate emotions and narratives in a more personal and enduring way. What started as a self-taught exploration soon transformed into a serious artistic pursuit. Determined to refine his craft, he attended photography seminars, creative workshops, and industry meetups, exposing himself to diverse perspectives and techniques that strengthened his artistic direction.
His educational background further shaped his multidisciplinary approach to art. He holds a Master's degree in Graphic Design from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, United Kingdom, as well as a Bachelor's degree in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Today, Aduragbemi serves as the Creative Director of BonnevieLagos while continuing to establish himself as a respected photographer in the United Kingdom. He is also a member of the Royal Photographic Society London and the Dartford and District Photographic Society in Kent, affiliations that have expanded his reach within the global art and photography community.
The 'What Eye See' Project
Central to his artistic philosophy is his acclaimed project, What Eye See, a body of work that explores the essence of black-and-white photography as fine art. According to him, black-and-white imagery possesses a level of emotional depth and creativity that colour photography often struggles to achieve. He believes that regardless of how much retouching, colour grading, or manipulation is applied to a colour photograph, it still reflects the world in a familiar and recognisable way. Black-and-white photography, however, strips away that familiarity and directs attention toward more fundamental visual elements such as light, shadow, texture, and contrast. For Aduragbemi, these elements create a timeless and abstract quality capable of evoking deeper emotions and interpretations. To him, the absence of colour is not a limitation but rather a liberation, one that reveals hidden layers of meaning and artistic purity. Through What Eye See, he sought to challenge conventional perceptions of photography and present monochrome imagery as a true expression of fine art.
Exhibitions and Recognition
The project has since become a defining moment in his career. In September 2025, What Eye See was published in the Royal Photographic Society's DI online issue, introducing his work to a wider international audience. Several pieces from the series have also been showcased in exhibitions and galleries across England. Among the notable showcases was the second edition of the Vogue Exhibition organised by the Boomer Gallery in London. His works were also featured at The Best of 2025 Exhibition hosted by the Dartford and District Photographic Society at the Peter Blake Library in Dartford, Kent, earlier this year. Currently, some of the photographs from the series are being exhibited at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, one of the largest shopping malls in the United Kingdom, in support of the Ellenor Hospice Charity. His growing recognition also earned him a feature in the March edition of Artells Magazine.
Competition Success and Global Platform
Beyond exhibitions and publications, Aduragbemi has achieved recognition through photography competitions. One of his peak attainments is winning the President's Cup, an annual competition organised by the Dartford and District Photographic Society that has existed for more than four decades. The award further cemented his reputation as a rising creative force within the UK photography community. Another major achievement in his career is becoming a featured artist on Artsy, a globally recognised platform connecting over 200,000 artists with collectors and galleries worldwide. The opportunity has significantly expanded the visibility of his work and introduced his artistic vision to a broader international audience.
Ongoing Projects and Future Plans
Despite these achievements, Aduragbemi remains deeply focused on growth and artistic evolution. He is currently involved in several new projects that continue to reflect his passion for storytelling, community engagement, and fine art photography. One of his ongoing collaborations involves volunteer work with Ellenor Hospice and the Bluewater Shopping Centre. As part of the annual Dartford Bear Hunt 2026 project, he is documenting artists as they paint decorative bears for the community initiative. Selected photographs from the collaboration will later be exhibited during the event, highlighting the relationship between art, storytelling, and social impact.
He is also developing a new fine art photography series titled Lumen Shadow, a name inspired by the fusion of "she" and "shadow." The project will continue his exploration of black-and-white photography, with strong emphasis on beauty, light, and shadow. Serving as a follow-up to What Eye See, the series aims to reinforce his belief that monochrome photography remains one of the purest forms of artistic expression. Looking ahead, Aduragbemi is preparing for another important chapter in his professional journey. Later this year, he plans to pursue distinctions with the Royal Photographic Society in hopes of becoming an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society UK. The process requires the submission of a cohesive and compelling body of work built around a central theme, a challenge he sees as both demanding and rewarding.
For Aduragbemi, every project represents more than artistic ambition. They are reflections of his evolving creative identity, his dedication to visual storytelling, and his commitment to redefining how black-and-white photography is perceived in modern art.
