Shemelle Soyebo

b. 1991, UK

 

Shemelle, also known by SoyShem, is a self taught visual artist based in London from mixed Nigerian and Barbadian heritage.

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SoyShem studied Interior Architecture at the University of Westminster but realized her true passion is in visual arts. She mainly uses Acrylic paint to produce her craft while occasionally using oil paint, and experimenting with different surfaces to elevate her art depending on the story she is telling.

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Soyshem either uses a nature-influenced or an Afro-futurism approach when choosing a theme for each painting while producing the same recognizable style and technique of artistry. Soyshem believes art is a language and she can use her art to translate the way she sees the world on canvas.​

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While exploring her identity, spiritual connection to her culture, and origins, Soyshem uses her imaginative flair to simultaneously explore the feelings between escapism and acceptance of self.

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​She draws from her life experiences, heritage and how generations of people throughout time have moved globally and adapted to new environments, whilst incorporating their origins and culture. Her style of art is also influenced by astronomy, the natural world, and her global travels.

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As a storyteller, Soyshem’s mission is to take the spectator on a journey and tell different stories within the African diasporian experience that will push the narrative of positivity and sense of self value. She wants us to be seen by telling our own stories through meaningful imagery while always asking the question, ‘What is home?’.

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Exhibitions/ Events:

 

• Group exhibition for The Economist Group HQ located in Central London for Black history month October 2024

 

• Group exhibition located in Woolwich works, South East London September 2024 for the SOAL company launch.

 

• Live portrait painting of SMADE on The Grand Living show in July 2024 at SMADE Lounge in East London

 

• Carried out 2 live painting events, 3 exhibitions, and 2 commissions for British Airways PLC Headquarters, Heathrow, London in October 2023 for black history month

 

• Group exhibition located in Hastings, UK in October/ November 2022 for Black History Month. Sponsored and curated by; playing the race card UK.

 

• Painted an in-store mural for the black history month pop-up store; Black Pound Day in Westfields White City in June 2022.

 

• Group exhibition located at; Westfield Stratford city, East London in March 2022 for Women International Day, sponsored and curated by Westfield Stratford.

 

 

• Taught an art class located at an independent college; Skills Training UK, Wembley, North West London in October 2021 for black history month for vulnerable young adults.

 

• Painted an in-store mural for the black history month pop-up store; Black Pound Day in Westfields White City in October 2021.

 

• Group exhibition located at; Westfield Stratford City, East London in October 2020 for Black History Month, sponsored and curated by Westfield Stratford.

 

• Art on Lock – Virtual group exhibition via Black British Artists in August 2020.

 

• Group exhibition located at; 253 Art project space in Hoxton, Central London in December 2019 sponsored and curated by Hansford and Sons and Emerging Artist platform.

 

• SOYSHEM solo exhibition located at; The Old Street Gallery in Central London in June 2019 created and curated by Shemelle Soyebo.

 

• Taught an adult art class located at; Market Hall Fulham, West London in April 2019 in connection with Bubbly and Art.

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