Yoruba ideals inspire exhibition

A contemporary artist, Olaniyi Sunday Olaniran, has reiterated the need to use art to showcase Nigeria’s cultural ideals.

Olaniran said the solo exhibition which will hold in Osogbo and themed ‘O’sagacity: Here – The Home, Hood, Heritage’, is set to showcase works inspired by the Yoruba culture, adding that his works would explore Yorùbá proverbs and legends while exalting ideals as wisdom and wonder.

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He said gaspingly intricate and uniquely special collection of landscapes, figures, and geometric abstracts in a variety of impressive forms would be on display, adding that each painting, textile, carving, beading, and relief work inspires reverence, surprise, pride, and joy.

“While these astounding works are a tribute to home and heritage, they are also a reminder that Yorùbá wisdom can take us here, there, and everywhere.

“I am not just bringing the stimulated texture of my work closer to them to see and feel the texture of my painstaking bead medium that teaches patient, perseverance, tenacity and hard work but blending the ancient and contemporary figures together and the indigenous Yoruba traditional wood carven which makes Osogbo art unique,” he said.

He said the exhibition, set to hold on August 21, would also encourage young artists by creating a space for them where they can see and feel their works in person.

“Despite the fact we have just few galleries, it does not stop us from creating our own space where our voices could be heard and where people can see the beauty,” he said.