Nigeria Content Online

Why Art?

I was born into a
creative family; my father was a printer. At six, I was already doing
the artworks for his printing jobs. I love drawing. When I was younger,
I used to make toys and do collages because I grew up in an environment
where there was a lot of paper and colours. I don’t think there is
anything for me apart from art.

Training

I am a graduate of
Painting from the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH). Though I had
been drawing and creating art since I was young, I got formal training
at YABATECH.

Medium

I love people and I
seek to give each figure in my composition its own unique identity. My
ever growing interest in Yoruba history and mythology has also become a
visible aspect of my compositions.

I have used
various media in producing my works: mixed- media, acrylic, oil,
pastel, charcoal, and water-colour, are my major mediums of expression.
Most of my works are done using subtle brush strokes, monochromes, and
earth colours. The play of light in them adds to the dramatic effect of
creating mood in each painting.

Influences

The works of great
artists influence my works. I was going to see exhibitions of masters
like Kolade Oshinowo before entering school. I love the way they use
colours. I am also influenced by seeing the works of other artists.
Things around me influence my works.

Inspiration

I draw inspiration
from my environment, from things around me. For example, during the
Black Heritage Festival, they took us around Lagos to see every part of
the city before the exhibition. I was inspired by where the slaves were
put in Badagry, one could see where they were tied with manila in a
room for 40 days. I used the manila in my painting to explain commerce
and slavery. From Badagry, I saw the colourful regatta and skyscrapers,
which also appeared in my painting.

Best work so far

I don’t have any
best work for now. I cannot rate my works. I try every day to do my
best. The works I am doing now are better than the ones I did
yesterday, and I am sure that the ones I will do after will be better
than the ones I am doing now. I don’t think that you can have a best
work while still alive. You just keep working, even as a writer or
musician. If you have a best work, it holds you back from doing
something better. One has to work every day to do something good.

Least satisfying work

I am always happy
when I see my past works. It gives me hope that I can do better. I have
young artists that look up to me, so I show them these past works to
know that they can do more. When you look back at your past works, you
see how you have improved over time. I don’t have any least satisfying
work. I only wish that all my works were in my collection. I am happy
with every work I have ever done.

Career high point

My career high
point for now has to be wining the painting competition of the Black
Heritage Festival. That is one of the biggest prizes in visual arts. I
feel elated to have won such a competition. I pray we have more
competitions to expose artists.

Favourite artist, living or dead

They are many; both
young and old. Those that have direct influence on me are Kolade
Oshinowo and Samuel Ajobiewe, whose last exhibition at Mydrim Gallery
was before my first solo exhibition. I also like Sam Ovraiti’s
personality as an artist.

Ambition

To be one of the greatest artists in the world and to influence people’s lives through my works, especially younger artists.