This edition of African Creatives Spotlight features Joke Amusan, a London-based visual artist, letting go of the belief that growth has to be loud. Her practice is built on quiet, steady work—the kind that lasts.

Born in Germany and now based in London, Joke is a visual artist whose work illuminates the experiences of Black womanhood. Through embroidery, installation, and sculpture, she explores identity, heritage, and migration, creating spaces where women share their stories and embrace their authentic selves.

Her materials carry weight. Joke stitches powerful messages in bright red thread on hessian fabric. Phrases like “My very existence is defiance” and “You deserve to take up space.” The hessian rough cloth historically used for trade sacks, represents migration, endurance, and survival. Red thread symbolizes interconnectedness, blood, and gentle urgency. Each stitch becomes an act of repair, care, and healing.

Her work has been exhibited at Tate Modern, Tate Britain, The ICA, and the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta. In 2025, she won the Thameslink Art Award and held solo exhibitions at TAFETA in London and MAIA in Birmingham. British Vogue and FAD Magazine have featured her work.

However, this year Joke isn’t chasing visibility. She’s planting seeds for longevity, building foundations, setting boundaries, and trusting the work that happens behind the scenes.

This conversation is part of our interview series, a series highlighting African creatives through interviews that tell their stories, share their perspectives, and amplify their voices. As the year begins, the focus is on reflection, where creatives are now, what the past year taught them, and what they’re building toward. Joke’s answers reveal a practice rooted in sustainability, community, and intentional growth.

Joke Amusan, visual artist featured in African Creatives Spotlight. Photo by: [Lara Amusan]

African Creatives Spotlight: Introduce yourself. Your name, what you create, and where you’re based.

My name is Joke and I’m a visual artist based in London. My art practice illuminates the rich and multifaceted experiences of Black womanhood. Through my exploration of identity, heritage, and migration, I create installations and sculptures which challenge preconceived notions and perceptions. My art serves as a conversational bridge: inspiring women to come together, share their stories, and unapologetically embrace their authentic selves.

Describe this current season of your creative journey in one sentence.

I’ve been planting seeds for longevity by focusing on building strong foundations (creatively and in business), while nurturing the community around me.

Joke Amusan planting seeds for longevity in her London studio. Photo by: [Joke Amusan]

What did the past year teach you about yourself or your brand?

The past year taught me that I thrive when I prioritise sustainability and community, and that taking care of myself allows my creativity to flourish. The impact of my practice isn’t just in the final work, but in the in-between moments of building and collaborating.

Red thread on hessian – Joke Amusan’s signature materials. Photo by: [Milo Paris]

Was there a moment in the past year that changed how you approach your work?

Being close to burnout forced me to slow down, ask for help, and separate my self-worth from my output. It completely reshaped how I approach my practice. It reminded me that my creativity needs boundaries.

What are you being more intentional about right now, creatively or in business?

I’m being more intentional about the infrastructure behind my art, systems, support, and long-term vision. As I explore more materials and learn more about my heritage, I want to ensure that every choice I make honors both my creative curiosity and the integrity of my practice. This way, every step I take (both creatively and professionally) feels purposeful and connected to the bigger picture of my practice.

Joke Amusan’s work honors both creative curiosity and practice integrity. Photo: [TAFETA by Pedro Lima]

What are you letting go of so you can aim higher and create better this year?

I’m letting go of the belief that growth has to be loud or visible to be meaningful. I’m learning to trust the quiet, steady work behind the scenes, knowing it shapes my practice in ways that last.

What bold reminder or insight would you give creatives to push boundaries and dream bigger this year?

Build strong foundations, trust your vision, and use your “why” as a guide.

Remember that you don’t have to do it all on your own – be part of, or build, a community where you’re supportive of each other.

Describe your mindset for this year in one word or short phrase.

Expansive, but anchored.

Photo by: Lara Amusan

Joke Amusan isn’t chasing loud growth. She’s building a practice that lasts, one rooted in boundaries, community, and the quiet work that shapes everything. Her red thread stitches more than messages on fabric. It stitches together care, repair, and the belief that creative work doesn’t have to burn you out to matter.

If you’re a creative feeling the pressure to constantly produce, constantly be visible, constantly grow louder, Joke’s reminder is this: the quiet work counts. The infrastructure you build behind the scenes matters. And growth that’s sustainable will always outlast growth that’s simply loud.

Follow Joke Amusan’s work: Website: jokeamusan.com Instagram: @jokeamusan

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