Celebrating the Artistic Genius of Dayo Laoye

In a city brimming with creative talent, few artists stand out as distinctly as Dayo Laoye. A true master of watercolor, Laoye’s work captures not only the eye but also the soul. His paintings seem to breathe, shimmering with layered emotion, cultural richness, and a profound sense of place. This Saturday, art lovers will have a rare chance to meet the man behind the canvas at a special pop-up art sale at Harris Park in Chicago — an event not to be missed.

A Royal Legacy Born in West Africa and raised amid the vibrant colors, textures, and traditions of Yoruba culture, Dayo Laoye carries a royal heritage that subtly but powerfully informs his artistic voice. His lineage traces back to the ancient Yoruba kingdoms, and while he walks with the humility of a true artist, there’s a quiet regality in the way he brings myth, memory, and history into every stroke of his brush, the Language of Watercolor.

Though versatile in many mediums, Laoye’s watercolor work is something of a revelation. Delicate yet deliberate, his technique turns water and pigment into moments of timeless grace. Whether he’s capturing the rhythm of an urban street scene or the dignified profile of a traditional elder, there is a softness in his touch that reveals his deep understanding of both his subjects and his tools. His colors whisper, rather than shout — and in that subtlety lies their power.

A Man of Depth and Grace

Beyond his artistic prowess, Dayo Laoye is known in Chicago’s creative circles as a man of deep intelligence, warm kindness, and genuine humility. He listens more than he speaks, sees more than he says, and paints more than he proclaims. Conversations with Laoye are as enriching as his artwork — each word, like each brushstroke, is chosen with care and purpose.

Dayo Laoye studied at the School of Art, Design, and Printing at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, and at the Department of Art at Howard University in Washington, D.C. His artistry is inspired by the human figure, nature, and the spiritual practices and traditions of African peoples, especially the Yoruba. “The continued practice of our collective African spirituality is an inspiration in my work,” says the artist. In recent years, his approach to artmaking has become even more dramatic and expressive. Contact Dayo: (773)991-9890.

An Invitation to Experience His Work

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer to the art world, this is a moment to witness the quiet brilliance of a living master. Come for the art. Stay for the stories. Leave inspired.