Ajewole Adifagbola is a 21-year-old hyper-realist. The visual and creative artist is based in Sagamu, Ogun State. The artist started painting from primary school and rose to prominence within the state and beyond. Adifagbola, who holds a National Diploma in Art and Design from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State, shares his experience in the world of art.
How did you find your way into visual art?
Since my childhood, I have always been trained to be focused by my parents. They wanted me to study Law at Olabisi Onabanjo University and I did post-JAMB and later changed my mind to do something that I love and they supported me. I started creating life drawing in my secondary school at Advanced Breed Comprehensive College. I was motivated by the principal and my teachers to pursue a career in art and that influenced my decision to study art at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. I love art to the extent that it can’t be taken away from me no matter what. I am also ready to learn new things and listen to corrections to improve my works.
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What is your inspiration?
I won’t be wrong to say art is among my innate abilities. It’s been my passion and what I do everyday. I have been doing art since I was in primary school. At that age, I used to draw cartoons characters of Ben 10 and others. Then I knew nothing about what art really means until I was 17 years old. I was inspired by my friend at the Polytechnic Ibadan. I also watched tutorial videos based on different aspects of art and learnt from them using my own creativity to build up myself and be the best of myself.
I get ideas from what I see, learn, hear, do or dream.
Who are your mentors?
My mentors are Ken Nwadiogbu, Arinze Stanley, Kelvin Okafor, Silas Onoja and Jack Adekunle Michael.
Which of your artworks do you cherish most?
My favourite artwork is “WHO AM I?”. It was my first Artwork. I love it because the work taught me lessons the day I finished it. It has also helped people to discover who they truly are. And it is the most lovable and recognized artwork I’ve ever done till now.
What inspired you to paint “Happiness”?
Some people say happiness is not free without money and I don’t think so. I doubted it. I was an unhappy and aggressive guy before I got admission into the Polytechnic Ibadan. Then, I hardly smiled, talked or joked with people. This was not because I didn’t understand their languages but because I wasn’t happy about the situations of my life. Until I met a friend, Ologo Olamide who encouraged me to always smile and be happy no matter what happens because no one can make me happy until I’m happy with myself first. She told me that my face looked as if I was angry with everyone. She insisted that I should always be happy because happiness can bring beauty and changes in my life. So, this changed and turned me into a very kind, gentle and easy-going guy to others. Most people think that if they become successful, then they’ll be happy. But recent discoveries in psychology and neuroscience showed that happiness fuels success. When we’re happy, our brains are more motivated, engaged, creative, energetic, resilient, and productive. Happier people have better sound health and live longer than the less happy peers. That’s what moves me to create an Artwork for it to make others happy and gain experience through it.
Do you think Nigerians have reasons to be happy?
Yes, of course. We have so many reasons to be happy. We may not have the best economy, the finest country or the most exciting tourist attractions but we are gifted, very optimistic, entrepreneurial, rich in culture and Nigerians are talented. In the midst of fear, challenges, difficulties, pains, frustrations and anger, we still find one reason to be happy.
Do you think Nigerians appreciate artwork?
Some Nigerians appreciate the work of art. They patronize, promote and elevate it because Nigeria is full of different cultures and they love to learn, gain experience, preserve history and appreciate other cultures through the work of art. While most Nigerians don’t really care about it, all they know is that they draw and paint and don’t want to know anything behind the work of art because they consider it as ordinary images. They don’t appreciate it because they don’t know what art really does. Art helps us to process our emotions and understand our surroundings. It allows us to see life from a different perspective and it makes us feel alive and it has always been an important part of human society since the beginning of time. It is also used as a tool for cultural exchange, education, and expression.
Any regret doing art?
I have never regretted doing art because it’s been my passion to be an artist since I was in secondary school. I said to myself that my job is going to fill a large part of my life and the only way to be satisfied is to do what I believe is great work and I won’t give up on it no matter the consequences or challenges I’m going to face.
What are your plans?
I want to be recognized for talents/abilities worldwide. I am involved in several genres of art and I delight in sharing them with whomever comes in contact with it. I also want to set up a Gallery of art to inspire kids and educate people so as to achieve their dreams through my work of art.
