Nigerian artist Lawrence Meju has gained recognition for his distinctive and vibrant paper collages that blend surrealism with everyday experiences and personal memories. Based in Lagos, Meju describes his artistic approach as "quiet world-building," viewing his work as a visual journal that explores the connections between daily life, human psychology, relationships, and perception.

Meju's journey with paper collage began during his early art education in school, but it wasn't until 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that necessity sparked a transformation in his artistic practice. When access to traditional art supplies and shops became limited, the resourceful artist discovered abandoned textured papers and decided to make something meaningful from the available materials.

"I found these interesting, textured papers somewhat abandoned," Meju explained. Though paper collage wasn't necessarily his first choice of medium, his determination to create during the challenging pandemic period led to a breakthrough. He created a quick self-portrait that leaned toward abstraction, which became the foundation for his body of work titled "Extranormal Portraits."

Since those early pandemic works, Meju's compositions have evolved to become increasingly complex and fluid. His recent pieces feature multiple figures alongside symbolic elements such as clocks, cut flowers, and plants. Through these layered, textured, and colorful shapes, he simplifies the human form and other objects to explore how memories, histories, identities, and emotions overlap and influence human identity.

"I am currently engaging with themes of fragmentation, reinvention, and identity," Meju said. "This engagement is also an ode to my process of creating these collages." His artistic philosophy centers on maintaining authenticity and creativity. "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," he noted.

The artist acknowledged that initially, carving a path outside the mainstream felt uncomfortable, but embracing that discomfort allowed him to develop an authentic mode of expression. His notable works include "It Takes Two to Tango" (2025), created with paper on Brazilian hardboard measuring 122 x 91 centimeters, and "Surreal Situation for Two I" (2023), measuring 60 x 50 centimeters.

Meju's portfolio includes several other significant pieces that demonstrate his evolution as an artist. "Merry Men I" (2025), "Self-Portrait Morning Glory" (2023), "In Full Bloom" (2024), "She Measures the Hours in Petals" (2025), "Army for Two" (2024), and "What Is Left to Do" (2022) showcase his range and technical development. Additional works like "Before the Sun Sinks Low" (2022), "Hands at Play" (2025), "Light Your Path" (2024), and "The Garden That Is Your Mind" (2025) further illustrate his exploration of human consciousness and daily experiences.

Looking ahead, Meju is expanding his artistic practice beyond two-dimensional work. He is currently planning sculptural works and three-dimensional objects that will incorporate the visual language he has developed through his paper collages. Art enthusiasts in London will have the opportunity to view Meju's work at the 1-54 art fair in October, where his pieces will be presented by Soto Gallery. His work continues to be accessible to a broader audience through his Instagram presence, where he regularly shares his latest creations and artistic insights.