Favour Jonathan is a multidisciplinary artist based in London, originally from Benin City, Nigeria. Her sculptural practice is rooted in historical research and storytelling, exploring themes of identity, memory, and cultural legacy. Drawing on both African and British histories, her work reflects on how these narratives continue to shape the present.
Jonathan focuses on highlighting overlooked figures from Black African and Black British history, using sculpture as a vehicle to educate and inspire. Her public art often centres storytelling as a tool to connect with young people and celebrate cultural heritage.
Her sculpture Ododo and Divinity, honouring the legacy of Black women who have redefined self-perception across generations, was acquired by Central Saint Martins for its permanent archival collection. In 2022, she was commissioned to create a 14-metre public sculpture of Ira Frederick Aldridge for the National Collection Centre in Coventry, commemorating the actor’s legacy of resilience and activism. That same year, she produced a public memorial to Claudia Vera Jones at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, as part of a Sky Arts commission celebrating the founder of the Notting Hill Carnival.
Education and community engagement are central to Jonathan’s work. She regularly collaborates with schools, universities, and youth centres across London, using sculpture as a tool for empowerment. Through mentoring and arts workshops, she creates spaces for