Lolade Koleosho is a photographic storyteller, a chronicler of the human condition who transforms the everyday into moments of profound introspection. Born and raised in Nigeria, Koleosho’s worldview is imbued with an acute sensitivity to the shared emotions that underpin individual experiences. Her art emerges from a desire to amplify these mundane realities, weaving them into narratives that spark reflection and dialogue. Among her most compelling creations is the series Lines of Destiny, a poetic exploration of the human palm as a map of divine and earthly truths.

In Yoruba cosmology, the lines etched into one’s palm—ila owo—are more than mere grooves; they are inscriptions of fate. They tell stories of professions pursued, fortunes amassed, marriages forged, and the ornaments that might adorn a life. It is said that the palm is a blueprint of destiny, a text as old as the soul itself. Koleosho’s Lines of Destiny invites viewers to assume the role of interpreters, skeptics, or perhaps both, as they confront the enigmatic interplay between belief and evidence.

Lolade Koleosho: Sheriff, A tricycle rider in Lagos (Self Employed)

The series captures the palms of people from all walks of life: a hairdresser, a gateman, a student; a model, a tricycle driver, an unemployed graduate, a bank teller, a prosperous entrepreneur. Each image, stark and unembellished, draws attention to the topography of human labor and life. The calloused hands of manual workers speak of toil, while the smoother palms of others hint at lives shaped by different forces. Yet, Koleosho refrains from making judgments or drawing conclusions. Her intent is neither to endorse nor debunk the mysticism of palm reading but to present a tableau of evidence, leaving interpretation to the viewer.

The series subtly critiques the mechanics of palmistry itself, raising questions about its supposed divinity. How much of a reading, Koleosho seems to ask, relies on tactile impressions—the roughness of the skin, the presence of calluses? How much is drawn from the intangible cues of appearance, speech, and demeanor? While these observations may suggest that palmistry is an act of social engineering, Koleosho’s work preserves its aura of mystery, acknowledging its cultural and symbolic significance.

Lolade Koleosho: Mr Godwin; A business owner (Owns three businesses)

Koleosho’s oeuvre is rooted in intimate, human-centric storytelling, transcending tribal and religious boundaries. Her previous works delve into deeply personal terrains: Miscarriage examines the raw grief of motherhood interrupted, while A Single Mom’s Christmas portrays the ache of loneliness in older women. Each project is a reflection of Koleosho’s own sensibilities, a means of connecting with the world through shared vulnerability.

Her work has graced the walls of One Art Gallery in Lagos, and her recent solo exhibition at Kikelomo’s Gallery has garnered widespread acclaim. Lolade Koleosho’s art, always tender and incisive, reminds us that even the simplest of human details—a palm, a line—can hold the weight of entire stories.

Lolade Koleosho: Binta, A model and a fashion apprentice 

View ‘Lines of Destiny’ here.