Halima Taiwo is a British-Nigerian artist and a third-year Fine Art student at Norwich University of the Arts, specialising in oil and acrylic painting. Growing up in a Nigerian household with her mother and twin brother has profoundly influenced her perspective and artistic voice. Her practice explores themes of identity, representation, and the visibility of Black figures within art history. Drawing inspiration from contemporary Black artists such as Harmonia Rosales and Kehinde Wiley, Halima reinterprets classical European painting traditions through a culturally conscious lens. She is also deeply inspired by surrealism and the uncanny, often incorporating darker, unsettling imagery to investigate the boundaries between beauty, discomfort, and imagination.

Halima’s artistic journey began during her GCSE studies, where her talent for drawing and painting was first recognised by a teacher, prompting her to pursue art as a formal subject. Early exposure to artists such as Mark Powell and Jenny Saville introduced her to figurative and contemporary practices, while her A Level studies at Anglo European School broadened her understanding through engagement with a diverse range of artists, including Hilma af Klint, Max Ernst, and Gertrude Abercrombie. These discoveries fundamentally shifted her perception of what art could be, sparking a lasting interest in surrealism, conceptual approaches, and narrative-driven work.

During her first two years at Norwich University of the Arts, Halima focused on developing her technical and conceptual skills through the study of surrealism and realism. This period of intensive practice allowed her to refine her approach to composition, colour, and form, particularly in oil and acrylic painting, while experimenting with different thematic and stylistic approaches. It was during this process that she became acutely aware of the lack of Black and people of colour representation within both classical and contemporary painting traditions. This recognition became a driving force behind her Black Renaissance collection, in which she reimagines iconic historical artworks by placing Black figures at the centre of her compositions. Through this series, Halima not only challenges traditional art historical narratives but also creates a dialogue about visibility, representation, and cultural identity, merging technical mastery with a socially conscious artistic vision.

Halima has exhibited her work in several group shows, including Spiralling Growth at Norwich University of the Arts (2025), the Interim Exhibition at The Undercroft Gallery, and the Black History Month Exhibition at Duke Street Riverside (2024). These exhibitions have allowed her to present her evolving practice to diverse audiences while refining both her technical skills and conceptual approach. This website serves as a portfolio and platform to share Halima’s work, artistic development, and the ideas that continue to shape her practice as an emerging artist.