Our Story
We are Ilèkùn Wa, meaning “Our Door” in the West African language of Yoruba. We believe our doors are metaphors for the space in which many modern & contemporary Africana artists occupy, liminality. Residing both inside and outside, Ilèkùn Wa is a philosophy of transnationalism, third-culturalism, and a radical refusal to categorize oneself and our art practice as either but rather all.
Ilèkùn Wa is an artist advisory social enterprise facilitating & cultivating opportunities for artists of African descent to create, sustain & thrive.
Our Values
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Wellness
We pride ourselves in cultivating & maintaining ways to prioritize our mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
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Legacy
We believe in passing on cultural values and not just assets.
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Loyalty
We remain loyal by prioritizing our global Black Community in production, distribution and consumption of visual arts.
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Generosity
We are generous with our talents, support and in sharing and growing our network.
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Sustainability
Our vision requires us to establish ethical business practices that will define and sustain our art ecosystems in the future.
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Visual Literacy
We advocate for the interpretation, recognition, appreciation, and understanding of Black visual culture presented through forms, objects, and symbols.
Meet Our Team
Jeremiah Olayina Ojo
Founder of Ilèkùn Wa
Brooklyn, New York
Jeremiah Olayinka Ojo is an artist, cultural entrepreneur and community advocate with a passion for empowering and connecting African diasporic communities through visual arts, culture, and creative education.
Rachel Egboro Ojo
Director of Engagement & Communications
Brooklyn, New York
Rachel Egboro Ojo is an experienced storyteller, facilitator and convener. Driven by her curiosity for people and their journeys, Rachel takes pride in providing the best communication strategy possible. As a Director of Engagement & Communications, she works consistently on sharpening and unifying Ilékún Wa’s brand voice, online & offline artist engagement and enhancing overall narratives for Black artists.
Tyra A. Seals
Copy Editing Consultant
Atlanta, Georgia
Tyra A. Seals is a formally trained historian of African diaspora art and Art History Ph.D. student at the University of Delaware. Her research explores the [un]official sites of origin that have transformed Black women’s artistic practices over generations and the realities that affect their ability to move, create, and live freely.
Press & Media
L'hebdo du Quotidien de l'Art
March 2022 Issue pg. 17
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rcJtP-cJ17ZBQT40oLvZwMvdzTkHTp9l/view?usp=sharing
Artnet News
‘They Have a Lot More Control Than They Think’: How Black Art Promoters Are Urging Artists to Look Beyond Traditional White Gatekeepers”
May 11, 2021
https://news.artnet.com/market/black-art-career-alternatives-1964943
Moderating ‘In Search of the Fraternal’ exhibition Artist Talk, featuring Xavier Daniels
Streamed live on Dec 19, 2021
Jeremiah Ojo on Studio Noize Podcast
“Mr International w/ art coach Jeremiah Ojo”
https://www.studionoizepodcast.com/episodes/2020/6/23/mr-intermnational-w-jeremiah-ojo
Jeremiah Moderating ‘The Ether’ exhibition Artist Talk, featuring Alexis McGrigg
Streamed live on May 30, 2021
Jeremiah Ojo on Studio Noize Ep. 90
“Art Coach Jeremiah Ojo: Passion and Proficiency”
https://www.studionoizepodcast.com/features/jeremiah-ojo-art-coach