People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Bolarinwa
Bolarinwa is a visual artist whose practice is described as being “rooted in the exploration of contemporary global issues through a bold visual language that merges African symbolism with the urgency of modern life”.
The Nigerian-born artist uses geometric patterns, vibrant pop colours, and motifs inspired by African spirituality and textiles.
These are Bolarinwa’s top five Bristol favourites:
Jikoni East Africa
Jikoni promise the authentic flavours of east African food – photo: Jikoni
“Jikoni on Silver Street is a sensory journey. Bold spices, rich aromas and the warmth of community. It reminds me of home; not just in taste but in spirit. My go-to dish is the awaze chicken wrap which takes my palate memory back to the shawarma sold on the streets of Ondo state, my home town in Nigeria. The way they celebrate heritage through food mirrors how I use colour and symbolism in my art: to preserve stories and spark conversations.”
Beyond Tastee
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“Beyond Tastee is where I recharge. The pounded yam and egusi soup, the jollof rice, the music; it’s a piece of the diaspora alive in Bristol. As an artist, I’m drawn to spaces that bridge cultures, and this spot on Stokes Croft does it with flavour and soul. It’s fuel for both body and creativity.”
Kuumba Centre
Kuumba on Hepburn Road was formed to offer the missing link in heritage and cultural learning that children would miss by not growing up in their ancestral towns and villages – photo: Martin Booth
“Kuumba in St Paul’s is more than a venue; it’s a sanctuary for Black creativity and expression. The energy here is electric; whether it’s a drumming workshop, an exhibition or a community gathering. It’s where I feel most connected to both my roots and my artistic purpose.”
M Shed
The Colston statue is now on display in a permanent exhibition at M Shed – photo: Martin Booth
“M Shed forces Bristol to confront its past and present. The Colston statue; toppled, then displayed horizontally; is a powerful symbol of collective action and the rewriting of history. As an artist, I’m inspired by how public spaces can challenge narratives and demand justice.”
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
“Seeing Kehinde Wiley’s work at Bristol Museum was a revelation. His ability to reimagine Black identity in grand, classical styles resonates deeply with me. It’s a masterclass in blending tradition with modernity, and it inspires me to push my own boundaries. Art like this doesn’t just hang on walls; it changes minds.”
Main photo: Leoni Fretwell
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