"I often approach my work as a form of quiet world-building, and in many ways, I think of it as a visual journal," the Lagos-based artist says.

Vibrant Paper Collages by Lawrence Meju Explore Daily Life and the Human Psyche

“I often approach my work as a form of quiet world-building, and in many ways, I think of it as a visual journal,” says Lawrence Meju, whose distinctive and vibrant collages draw on surrealism, everyday experiences, and memories.

The Lagos-based artist remembers working with paper collage during some of his earliest introductions to art-making in school, but it wasn’t until 2020, at the height of the pandemic when access to shops and materials was limited, that a little resourcefulness transformed into a new way of working.

an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring two figures, a staircase, and a clock“Surreal Situation for Two I” (2023), paper, 60 x 50 centimeters

“I found these interesting, textured papers somewhat abandoned,” Meju tells Colossal. Not necessarily a material he would have chosen off the bat, he was nevertheless motivated to make something—anything—during that time. And the challenge paid off. “I made a quick portrait of myself that leaned towards abstraction, and this was what started my body of work titled Extranormal Portraits.” More recently, his compositions have become increasingly complex and fluid, with numerous figures and symbolic items like clocks, cut flowers, and plants.

Meju’s pieces boldly explore links between daily life, the human psyche, relationships, and perception. “I am currently engaging with themes of fragmentation, reinvention, and identity,” he says. “This engagement is also an ode to my process of creating these collages.” By simplifying the human form and other objects into layered, textured, colorful shapes, he delves into the myriad ways memories, histories, identities, and emotions overlap and inform who we are.

“A guiding force in my work is my commitment to keeping my inner child alive, as well as the drive to create what I want to see in the world,” Meju says. “At first, carving a path outside the mainstream was uncomfortable, but leaning into that discomfort has allowed me to develop a mode of expression that feels authentic to me.”

Meju is currently planning some sculptural works and objects that riff on the visual language of his two-dimensional pieces. If you’re in London in October, find the artist’s work at 1-54 art fair, presented by Soto Gallery, and see more on his Instagram.

an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring figures arranged in a circle with heads together“Merry Men I” (2025), paper on Brazilian hardboard, 90 x 60 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring a central figure with a large red flower“Self-Portrait Morning Glory” (2023), paper, 60 x 50 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring figures on a brown background among swirling, colorful shapes“In Full Bloom” (2024), paper on Brazilian hardboard, 122 x 91 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring a figure against an orange and yellow background, holding a flower“She Measures the Hours in Petals” (2025), paper on modeling board, 90 x 60 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring five figures and swirling shapes“Army for Two” (202), paper on Brazilian hardboard, 122 x 91 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring a figure with a tree growing out of their back, holding a flower with a face“What Is Left to Do” (2022), paper, 60 x 50 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring a central figure and swirling, amorphous shapes“Before the Sun Sinks Low” (2022), paper, 60 x 50 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring a figure and plants against a gray and white background“Hands at Play” (2025), Giclee archival fine art paper print, 55.3 x 38.1 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring a figure holding a lantern“Light Your Path” (2024), paper on paper, 60 x 50 centimeters an abstract paper collage by Lawrence Meju featuring a figure against an orange background holding a clock and flowers“The Garden That Is Your Mind” (2025), paper on modeling board, 90 x 60 centimeters

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