Collector’s Lens: How Yemi Adewunmi Turned Her Home into a Living Cultural Masterpiece
Inside the Collector’s Lens: Yemi Adewunmi
The moment you walk into the home of Yemi Adewunmi, you are instantly greeted by a vibrant array of artworks and cultural artifacts. No wall is left untouched. From paintings and sculptures to masks, magnets, postcards, and ceramics—her entire home is intentionally curated to tell a story of her values, experiences, and heritage.
“I went back home to Nigeria in 2013,” she tells me. “I visited the village of my maternal grandfather. There, I was able to purchase these masks and this beautiful portrait you see here. When my parents came to this country, they weren’t able to bring anything from back home with them. Now, I’m proud to say I have a piece of ‘back home’ within my new home in D.C.”
Yemi’s approach to collecting reflects the intentionality many of us aspire to—creating a world within her home that is both deeply personal and deeply cultural.
Where the Journey Began
Yemi’s interest in art began early. As a creative child, she was naturally drawn to different forms of artistic expression. Yet her academic path took a more traditional route: she studied policy, politics, and pre-law at the University of Pittsburgh. We joked, as many first-generation kids do, about the typical career paths our parents endorse—doctor, lawyer, or engineer.
Still, Yemi found ways to nurture her creative side throughout college. She designed the magazine for her university’s Black Student Union and regularly attended art shows and museum exhibitions.
In 2011, her artistic journey took a new turn when she purchased her first camera. Quickly, she found herself immersed in photojournalism—traveling both domestically and abroad, documenting the world through her lens. Today, many of her photographs and paintings are part of her personal collection, hanging proudly alongside the works she has acquired from other artists.
The Stories on Her Walls
As Yemi has evolved as both a collector and creator, she’s become increasingly drawn to works that evoke emotion—pride, aspiration, and deep appreciation. The subjects that speak to her include landscapes, architecture, memories of travel, family, love, and empowered Black women.
“What are the pieces I want to live amongst?” she reflects. “The art you live with is a manifestation of who you are, the artists you support, and the imagery—and other sensory elements—you want to engage with. It’s even more personal than the clothes you wear. When I host people, I want them to see this collection as an extension of me, and for us to have a conversation.”
From Collector to Connector
After years of loving, creating, and collecting art, Yemi is now entering a new chapter: becoming an art advisor. She’s found profound joy in her relationship with art and wants to help others experience the same. Her belief is clear—art collecting should not be an opaque, exclusive activity reserved for the privileged few. She wants to bridge the gap between artists and art lovers.
“Artists are the historians of our time,” she says. “They document the challenges of our society in ways that are both novel and therapeutic.”
With a strong background in business as a co-founder of a tech startup and an operations expert, Yemi sees herself as a resource in the art ecosystem. Her goal is to create space where artists can focus on creating, and art lovers can confidently become collectors.
The first step? Becoming a student of the game. Yemi is an avid learner, reader, and adventurer. After attending Art Basel Miami for the first time last December, she now plans to travel to Art Basel in Switzerland. She’s also strengthening her ties to the art world by becoming a patron of The Phillips Collection in D.C., attending museum exhibitions and artist talks, and diving into art literature.
Tips from Yemi: How to Start Your Collection
Yemi’s advice for those who love art and want to begin collecting is simple: start small.
“Start by visiting local galleries, neighborhood art fairs, and even farmers markets,” she says. “You don’t have to start with expensive pieces. Start with what speaks to you—whether it’s a magnet, a postcard, or a print. It’s not about price, it’s about connection.”
If Yemi’s story inspired you, we invite you to watch our full interview where she shares even more insights about collecting, creativity, and cultural legacy.
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