Meet Ola Oyelusi, a painter whose vibrant strokes are painting a new chapter in Nigerian contemporary art. With a style as lively and colourful as the streets of Lagos, he’s an artist whose pieces start conversations and evoke emotions. He is building up an impressive body of art and defining a distinctive style, which has struck a chord with me and is why we have chosen to invest in and promote his art.
His Journey so far…
Oyelusi's journey in art began at Auchi Polytechnic where he secured a degree in fine art, honed his skills and developed a style that perfectly blends traditional themes with modern artistry. Using his canvas as a playground, Oyelusi experiments with colours and forms to portray everyday Nigerian life in an extraordinary way.
The Essence of Oyelusi's Work
Oyelusi's paintings are a festival of colours and emotions. Each work tells a story, whether it's about city life, personal struggles, or the joyous moments that define human existence. His technique involves layering paint and incorporating various materials to create rich textures that you can almost feel just by looking.
The toothy grin is becoming a signature of his and you can see different executions of this across his body of work, with Kobi Bryant and Lionel Messi both getting an Oyelusi tribute piece:
Let’s dive into some of Oyelusi’s standout pieces currently showcased at here in our Bibianna Gallery:
"Look at Me" (2022) "Look at Me" is a compelling portrayal that captures a figure ensconced among vivid flowers. This piece draws the viewer into a dialogue with the subject, whose striking, multi-faceted gaze with that iconic toothy mouth suggests a moment of declaration or realisation. The background, a vibrant tapestry of reds and chaotic lines, offset the flowers that burst with colour and seem to echo the subject's call for attention. This painting exemplifies Oyelusi’s style and promises to be a future collector piece.
"Glimpse" (2023) Here, Oyelusi explores themes of visibility and perception. The painting features a figure peering through a veil, with one eye prominently visible. This eye, along with the big teeth seen above, is another distinctive signature of his work and challenges the viewer to consider the layers of personality within.
"Gele" (2023) Oyelusi captures the dignified poise of a woman adorned with a traditional Nigerian headwrap, which is both a symbol of cultural heritage and personal grace. The artwork is marked by a patchwork of vibrant colors that compose her face, reflecting the complex emotions and depth of character behind her serene expression. The gele, intricately patterned and vividly colourful, crowns her head, serving as both a cultural statement and a personal adornment that frames her thoughtful gaze. This painting is not just a celebration of traditional fashion but also an intimate portrait of a woman's quiet moment of reflection, highlighted by the striking contrast between her vibrant attire and the subdued tones of her surroundings.
A Bright Future
Oyelusi is quickly gaining recognition for his unique ability to convey powerful messages through his art. His works are becoming featured in exhibitions and collections across Nigeria and internationally, marking him as one of the promising talents in today's art scene. His ongoing exploration of new themes and techniques yet anchored to a distinctive style promises to keep his portfolio fresh and exciting.
At Bibianna, we are thrilled to represent such a dynamic artist. Check out his profile on Saatchi Art to see more of his earlier works and watch this space as we plan to introduce more of his works to our gallery. As well as being items of beauty to adorn your walls, we think his pieces will represent a great financial investment into a painter set to continue his rise in the contemporary art world. Join us in following Oyelusi’s journey.
If you are interested in any of Oyelusi’s pieces on the Bibianna website or just have any questions, please do drop me an email at caroline@bibianna.co.uk and I will get back to you.
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