For Immediate Release
Lagos, 13/7/2024 —
AFÁRÁ OYIN: A Celebration of Yoruba Heritage and Socio-Philosophical Art
Thought Pyramid Art Centre and the Next of Kin initiative are delighted to announce the debut solo exhibition of Olalekan Adeyemi, titled AFÁRÁ OYIN. It showcases 18 original oil paintings created through Olalekan Adeyemi’s one week residency in Thought Pyramid Art Centre Residency space in Oghara, Delta State.
Curated by Ovie Omatsola, this exhibition also explores socio-philosophical themes deeply rooted in Yoruba traditions. The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday, July 13th to Friday, July 26th.
Theme: The exhibition addresses concerns about the propagation of quality human relationships, “AFÁRÁ OYIN” metaphorically represents the bridge of communities and nations, examined through the microscopic lens of the family as the fundamental unit of a community or nation.
Exhibition Overview:
Discover the essence of family and community in ‘Afárá Oyin,’ an exhibition by Olalekan Adeyemi that intertwines cultural storytelling with conceptual symbolism.
Artwork: The collection features symbolic realism paintings that depict real-world scenarios imbued with symbolic or fantastical elements to engage contemporary issues while also exploring deeper, timeless subject of man and its evolving race, on canvas each telling a unique story about the strength, resilience, and beauty of family connections.
AFÁRÁ OYIN, meaning “Bridge(s) of Sweetness,” is a collection of artworks that reflect on parenting, motherhood, the female child, mutual support systems, and the expected roles within the family. Each painting, with its evocative Yoruba title, serves as a bridge between the artist’s heritage and contemporary socio-philosophical discourse. Olalekan Adeyemi’s work eloquently portrays the strength and resilience of women, emphasizing their critical role in the fabric of society.
Artist Background:
Olalekan Adeyemi is a contemporary visual artist from Osun State, Nigeria. He holds a Fine and Applied Arts degree from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Olalekan’s art delves into symbolic realism and photo-surrealistic paintings. His works are infused with socio-cultural interpretations achieved by a dynamic style aimed to captivate viewers, and inviting them to explore beyond initial impressions. Earning The Humanity Magazine feature for his work ‘Ebofin’ (accepted sacrifice) in 2020 in the “War and peace”, online art contest in Russia. Olalekan’s work often explores themes of traditional Yoruba folklore and its interceptions with contemporary society, bringing a unique perspective to contemporary art.
Olalekan Adeyemi is an acclaimed contemporary artist known for his intricate blend of traditional and modern elements. His art delves deep into cultural narratives, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the human experience. Adeyemi’s pieces are distinguished by their vibrant colours, meticulous detail, and thought-provoking compositions.
In 2022, Olalekan won the main prize in the Next of Kin Series 4, an initiative by Thought Pyramid Art Centre dedicated to discovering and promoting transcending visual arts talents in Nigeria and across Africa. As part of his prize, Olalekan was awarded a one-week art residency at Thought Pyramid Art Centre Residency in Oghara, Delta State. This exhibition marks the culmination of his creative journey since winning the award.
Next of Kin Initiative:
Next of Kin is committed to nurturing and showcasing the most promising visual arts talents. By expanding its reach beyond Nigeria to accept applications from across Africa, Next of Kin serves as an expanded bridge of success for deserving emerging and fast-rising artists. We eagerly anticipate the Series 7 applications opening in October 2024, continuing our mission to elevate exceptional artistic talent.
For media inquiries, interviews, and additional information, please contact:
Contact Information:
Ovie Omatsola, oviegallery@gmail.com; Thought Pyramid Art Centre, thoughtpyramidartcentre@gmail.com