Olamide Ogunade, a Lagos-born visual artist, transforms the everyday experiences and societal nuances of African life into vibrant figural art. His works, which employ mediums like ballpoint pen, acrylics, and oils, explore the richly textured skin tones of his subjects, creating a harmonious blend of dark hues and vivid colors. This choice not only reflects the physical diversity of his subjects but also serves as a metaphor for the positive aspects of African cultures, balancing beauty with adversity. Through the use of bubbles, Ogunade portrays the ephemeral nature of societal pressures, capturing the challenges yet fleeting moments of life in Africa. His art delves into themes of corruption, self-esteem, and the pervasive impacts of an inferiority complex within African communities, striving to evoke a sense of hope and progress.
In his emotive pieces, Ogunade transcends mere artistic expression, seeking to ignite change and foster unity across the continent. Each piece is a dialogue on Africa’s potential, urging for collective action against societal norms that hinder progress. By focusing on subjects like greed and negligence, he reflects the challenges yet also projects optimism for a better future. Ogunade believes that through awareness and unity, African societies can overcome their struggles and realize their inherent greatness. His art not only celebrates African identity but acts as a visual catalyst for transformation, urging society to rise beyond its current state and fulfill its untapped potential.
My art is an expression of figurative images using charcoal and colors to give it a contemporary look. It talks about situations in African society. The skin is an essential thing. I love to create it by focusing on such details as contrast. The dark hue of the skin is usually accompanied with vibrant colors for that complementary yinyang color contrast. I then sum up the work with bubbles – this captures the temporariness of the pressures we face. (…) My theme and messages focus on the situations in Africa – corruption, self-esteem, negligence, greed, e.t.c, also the inferiority complex suffered by Africans. My aim is to use my art to rid the society of these ills. I believe in the potentials of the African continent and I believe we can achieve greatness if we unite.
Olamide Ogunade
More info: Website, Instagram.
