Deola Olatunji (DO) speaks with Highzeek Asiko (HA) about his passion for visual arts, the challenges he has faced and continues to face, and what the future holds for him as a visual artist.

Art is more than just a visual expression—it is a voice, a movement, and a reflection of life itself. Few embody this philosophy as deeply as Babajide Isaac Temitayo, better known as Highzeek Asiko. Through his masterful use of charcoal, graphite, and paint, he creates stunning works that explore emotions, social issues, and personal connections.

A visual artist from Oyo State, Nigeria, Highzeek delves into the complexities of social life, emotions, and human experiences. His work also seeks to honor legacies and celebrate individuals and communities through artistic storytelling. Using his medium, he raises awareness and inspires resilience, tackling issues such as depression and low self-esteem. His art serves as a powerful tool for social commentary and personal reflection, encouraging dialogue and deeper understanding.

DO: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your journey as a visual artist began?

HA: My name is Highzeek Asiko and I am a visual artist. My journey as an artist began during my early childhood days. Everything started from the children’s Sunday school at my local church. Back then we used crayons to colour drawings and illustrations in the Sunday school manual. Then, while in secondary school, my biology teacher often called me to draw on the board for my classmates. I then further developed my skills and I started drawing portraits and human figures. Eventually, I discovered my passion for art and decided to be an artist. I started to learn more about arts and watched several videos to improve my skills.

DO: Of all other options and varieties,  why did you choose to focus on visual arts using charcoal, graphite and paints?

HA: I started with charcoal and graphite because that was what I could easily buy with my money and it also allows me to express my ideas in an interesting way. Then I saved up to buy oil paints. These mediums allow me to explore art that is engaging and emotional. As art keeps changing, I look forward to exploring more mediums like texture paste and resins.

DO: Your work carries a distinctive blend of realism and abstraction. How would you describe your artistic style, and what draws you to this fusion?

HA: I like to think of my artistic style as a blend of realism and abstraction, often exploring nature and humans. I find ways to connect floral patterns with humans. I balance both to make my paintings beautiful and meaningful.

DO: Several factors influence different arts. For you, what would you say are the factors that influence the themes and subjects in your works?

HA: There are several influencing factors. For me, I most times make use of public figures or celebrities whose craft I admire or who have, in one way or another, inspired me. Emotions also influence my work. There are times when I immerse myself in sadness just to get inspired. It seems quite funny and maybe not understandable, but those sad days helped me to think deeply and also change the way I see certain things.

DO: Walk us through your creative process, from the inception of the concept to its completion.

HA: My creative process is all about exploring with paint. I learn something new from every piece I work on. It begins with a feeling or thought of something or a story I want to tell. Then, I research the muse I intend to use. Once I have a solid idea, I begin to sketch while also adding details. To finalise it, I add floral patterns that explain the theme of the work. This helps to communicate my message and feelings.

DO: As an artist, it can sometimes be challenging to navigate the muddy waters of your career choice. What challenges have you faced or are currently facing as a young and budding artist in Nigeria, and how have you been able to overcome them?

HA: As a young creative in Nigeria, I face many challenges. First is the lack of a strong art market. Most Nigerians prefer to buy A.I generated pictures, print them and put them in their homes, which makes it really difficult to sell original paintings. That is why I often draw public figures/celebrities to showcase my work on their platforms to reach a wider audience. But this is not easy and so it discourages artists as most of them are difficult to reach or get across to. I have several paintings of such that I am yet to give out because I am unable to meet with them. But I remain passionate about what I do and committed to finding ways to succeed.

DO: In a time when things are tough for most people due to the current situation of living and economy in the country, how do you stay motivated to keep pushing your creativity forward?

HA: I just keep hoping and reminding myself why I started this in the first place. I believe that my art has the power to make a difference, bring people together and project a more positive future. I believe ART WILL SAVE US.

DO: Have you ever been rejected or received any memorable or unpleasant feedback about your work?

HA: I got an unpleasant feedback on the first portrait commission I ever got. Rejection is part of the creative process and I like to experience it. I am working on a piece soon, and I know some people will definitely not like it, but I will do it anyway and receive the feedback with a smile.

DO: With social media and its impact on every sphere of life, do you find it easy to balance creativity and promote your work online for media and global presence?

HA: Balancing creativity and online promotion is a constant challenge that I do not find easy. Blogs and influencers charge way too much for promotion but we just have to find other means to do it anyways

DO: If you could collaborate with any artist or brand, who would it be and why?

HA: An artist I would love to collaborate with would be Atanfe. She is an artist I am drawn to because she experiments and explores new ideas. I am also interested in collaborating with Rahman Jago’s ‘HIGH FASHION’ brand. For exclusive, my next collaboration is with TINT, which will be out later this year. We will create something truly unique together.

DO: Where do you see your works and visual art as a whole in the near future?

HA: I see it becoming a movement. I am exploring every part of creativity. Art event and social lifestyle is coming. Artopia is coming. It is exciting to think about it. The possibilities are endless and I cannot wait until it all makes sense.

DO: How do you relax when you are not creating art?

HA: When I am not creating art, I like to go out. I often go for walks, listen to music and spend time with my family and friends.

DO: What advice would you give to other young people looking to pursue a career in art?

HA: I think staying inspired is what I can say now. There will always be situations that will make you question what you are doing. Surround yourself with the things you love and always have fun while making art.

DO: Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

HA: This is a fun question. Zlatan Ibile recently signed my painting palette. This is one of the biggest things that has happened to me as an artist. Also, I made the biggest-sized painting of Davido, inspired by his album ‘TIMELESS’.

DO: For those who would love to see for themselves, where can we find your work?

HA: Some of my works are in the Arnheim Gallery. Some are sitting pretty in the homes of collectors, and some in the homes of celebrities like Zlatan, ShankComics, SamuelBanks, Iremide Adeoye, Denzy and HorlarOfLagos.

Highzeek Asiko’s works are consistently posted on Instagram @highzeek.asiko, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Tiktok @asikolayee. In his words, “I want my art to be more than just paintings on canvas. I want it to spark conversations, create movements, and shape the way people see the world. The journey is just beginning”. He looks forward to having his solo exhibition soon.