Oluwaseyi Awoyomi, fondly called Shayee, is an acclaimed multifaceted renowned artist who has dedicated her life to promoting and/or representing the authentic culture and representing Nigerian artistry worldwide.

Being the daughter of two world-renowned artists – Chief Twins Seven Seven (deceased), a prolific visual and performance artist, and Chief, Dr. Mrs. Oyenike “Nike” Okundaye, pioneer of Adire making and founder, Nike Art Gallery with branches in FCT Abuja, Lagos, Osun and Kogi States – creativity runs deep in her veins.

Her artistic journey began at a very tender age when she worked with her mother to create an 8ft by 4ft seed bead painting.  The created piece found its way to the palace of the king of Ede during the reign of Oba Tijani Oladokun Ajagbe Oyewusi, Agbonran II. Thus began the beginning of a lifelong passion for artistic creativity and expression using different mediums that lends credence to her mantra: “Art is a language; the dialects are the various mediums with which she communicates.”

Shayee’s artistic mediums include, but are not limited to beadworks, paintings, and Adire textile designs – an art form she inherited from her mother. A sixth generation of Adire artisans, she continues this rich tradition while adding a contemporary perspective to the craft for a wider audience.

Beyond her artistry, Shayee is the driving force behind Nike Art Gallery USA, where she plays a pivotal role in showcasing Nigerian artistic talents to all and sundry. Through her platform – the Visiting Artist Program – she continues to provide opportunities for indigenous artists to showcase their talents beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Some of the past beneficiaries of the Visiting Artist Program are Samuel Uzoma, Akeem Adeleke, and Babatunde ‘Director Kay’ Kolawole. A true custodian of her parents’ legacies, Shayee is not only preserving tradition but also setting new standards in the art world. She is happily married and resides in New York with her family.