Progress Giwa Jesutomiwa
Widely known as PJay · Environmental advocate · Recycled-media artist
In the evolving landscape of contemporary African art, Progress Giwa Jesutomiwa — widely known as PJay — continues to distinguish himself as a powerful voice in environmental advocacy. Even before stepping into the spotlight of the 12 Brass Street ArtStar Competition, PJay had been building a reputation for transforming waste materials into meaningful artistic expressions that challenge, educate, and inspire.
His practice stands at the intersection of sustainability, creativity, and community impact. Through recycling-based art, environmental storytelling, and public engagement, PJay represents a generation of artists using their craft as a tool for climate action.
"Since receiving the funds, I have been able to invest more intentionally in my creative process, expand my recycling art projects, and amplify my environmental advocacy through art. Your support has contributed to several milestones…"
The ArtStar Prize served not as the beginning of his journey, but as a valuable milestone that amplified and supported the incredible work he was already committed to. And these milestones are not small. They include his debut solo exhibition, Waste to Luxury, created in partnership with the Africa Cleanup Initiative's 15th anniversary; a wave of media features; and recently, being crowned the Lagos Has Talent (Climate Edition) Winner — earning recognition as a Lagos State Ambassador for the Environment.
Each achievement underscores the depth of his commitment to environmental transformation — not as a trend, but as a lifelong mission.
Nigerian outlets are taking notice.
From national newspapers to broadcast television, PJay's work — and the message behind it — is reaching audiences well beyond the gallery wall.
One of Nigeria's most widely read papers profiled PJay in its rising-talent series, tracing the road from experimenting with recycled canvases to becoming a name to watch in contemporary African art.
TVC's Green Angle segment spotlighted PJay's studio practice — redefining how we see trash through creativity, and showing a national audience that discarded materials can carry beauty, memory and message.