Ashley Okoli For the Archives, Bridging Amsterdam & Lagos Through Creative Grace

Sankofa Archives proudly presents For the Archives, a new series spotlighting voices shaping culture and community worldwide. Our first feature highlights Ashley Okoli a Lagos-based stylist, creative director, and founder of Hot Girl Wellness. Through this we reflect on Ashley's womanhood, community, and creative resilience bridging the fast-paced energy of Lagos with the creative spirit of Amsterdam. Here’s a short excerpt from our talk with Ashley Okoli.

Interview by Sonia Ihuoma & Thaniel Owusu Agyemang

9/15/20254 min read

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become an artist?

My name is Ashley Okoli. I see myself as an all round creative, I do a bit of everything, and I like to explore different ways of expressing myself. Growing up in Lagos shaped me a lot. It’s such a fast paced city, and that energy has always stayed with me. It pushes me to get things done quickly, even though it sometimes makes me anxious too.

Do you have a goal you are working towards?

My name is Ashley Okoli. I see myself as an all round creative, I do a bit of everything, and I like to explore different ways of expressing myself. Growing up in Lagos shaped me a lot. It’s such a fast paced city, and that energy has always stayed with me. It pushes me to get things done quickly, even though it sometimes makes me anxious too.

What do you hope to leave behind for the next generation of women?

I want them to be so self aware that nobody can come into their lives and tell them who they are. Whether you’re kind or complicated or messy, I want you to feel comfortable in that. That’s the legacy I hope to leave, women who feel powerful in their truth.

What was missing that prompted you to start Hot Girl Wellness?

Community. Specifically, women led communities. I grew up as a first daughter and didn’t really have many women around me who shared my experience. I needed to see women like me, and also women who were not like me, younger, older, just different. I wanted a safe space. And because I needed it, I knew other women needed it too.

In Nigeria, women who speak up are often called mad, crazy or difficult. I wanted people to understand that you can be sane and still outspoken, brave and courageous. Hot Girl Wellness became that space, a community where women can be themselves without judgment.

Photo Credits:

Director: Thaniel Owusu Agyemang @kala.cite

Creative Direction: Sonia Ihuoma @soniaamaraih

Produced by: Sankofa Archives

Styling: Sonia Ihuoma & Ashley Okoli @soniaamaraih @ashh.ok

Art Direction + Edit: Joaquín Rooze @joaquínrooze

Photographer + Retouch: Ian Bodo @8.papi

Talent: Ashley Okoli @ashh.ok

Watch the full interview now on our YouTube channel

Discover the full story behind her journey.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become an artist? Can you talk a bit about your creative journey?

Since childhood, I’ve frequently visited museums and spent a lot of time playing with Lego. This urge to create continued with art classes in high school, where I found joy and peace in drawing.

I kept this up for several years. In 2022, after completing a non-creative vocational program,

I started studying interior architecture at an art school. There, I learned drawing techniques that helped me make significant progress in my drawings and paintings in a short time. At the beginning of 2023, I began taking painting more seriously and had my first exhibition during the Museumnacht 2023 event at Sankofa Archives.

I saw how people reacted to my art; some found the paintings beautiful, while others could relate to them on a personal level. This feedback motivated me to continue. After two years of studying higher vocational education, I decided to stop because I realized I preferred painting over architecture. I hope to study Fine Arts next year to further.

How have your past experiences prepared you for this solo exhibition?

At Sankofa Archives, I’ve helped set up exhibitions multiple times, and these experiences have greatly influenced how I approach organizing my own. Last year, I even organized an exhibition at Patta. These opportunities have taught me a lot and are now guiding me as I prepare for my next exhibition.

What inspired you to create ‘On The Move’?

Movement was a recurring theme in many of my recent works. So as a challenge for myself, I thought it would be interesting to explore this theme further for this exhibition.

What does ‘On The Move’ mean to you?

‘On The Move’ reflects daily life, where we are constantly on the go—not just physically, but also in a deeper, metaphorical sense. It symbolizes the ongoing evolution and progress in our consciousness and personal development.

What does ‘On The Move’ mean to you?

Can you share a memorable moment you’ve had with Sankofa Archives related to your work?

A memorable moment for me was during Museumnacht 2023, when I participated in an exhibition about 'Third Culture Identities' alongside other artists. Thaniel, the founder of Sankofa Archives, encouraged me to create a painting specifically for the exhibition, which ultimately became 'Metro 55.' That night, seeing how people responded to the artwork inspired me to continue painting.

Are there specific artists or movements that have influenced your work?

I draw inspiration from many forms of art. Whether it’s the visual style or the underlying concepts, various aspects can be inspiring. Kerry James Marshall is one artist who has greatly influenced me. He creates beautiful, clear paintings that represent Black individuals.

What do you hope viewers take away from your solo show?

I hope that people who may not often engage with art, because they feel disconnected from it, will realize that it is indeed possible to relate to art. This might spark their interest in exploring it further.