Diamond in the rough, 2022
Damilola Olusegun

"Diamond in the Rough" commands attention with its juxtaposition of vibrant colors against a somber backdrop. The central focus is on the lady, who sits amidst a desolate landscape of withered flowers. Her contemplative gaze is fixated on a single rose, which stands tall and vibrant amidst the decay. The artist's attention to detail and use of light and shadow enhance the depth and realism of the composition, evoking a sense of wonder and introspection.

The title, "Diamond in the Rough," immediately hints at the artwork's underlying theme of discovering beauty in unexpected places. The lady's admiration of the solitary rose symbolizes an appreciation for resilience, strength, and the ability to find hope and beauty amidst challenging circumstances. The withered flowers surrounding her may represent the trials and hardships that life presents, while the vibrant rose stands as a testament to the power of inner strength and the enduring spirit of beauty.

The artwork invites viewers to reflect on the significance of finding the extraordinary within the ordinary, the exceptional amidst the mundane. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always the potential for growth, renewal, and the emergence of something truly remarkable.

"Diamond in the Rough" elicits a range of emotions from viewers. The lady's gaze conveys a mixture of admiration, contemplation, and perhaps even a sense of longing. The contrast between the withered flowers and the vibrant rose invites viewers to consider their own experiences of navigating challenging situations, finding strength, and recognizing the precious moments of beauty that arise unexpectedly.

The artwork's universal theme of resilience and the celebration of the extraordinary in the ordinary resonates deeply with viewers. It encourages introspection and an appreciation for the inherent beauty that lies within every individual and circumstance, no matter how challenging or imperfect.

Damilola Olusegun's "Diamond in the Rough" is a testament to the transformative power of art. Through skillful brushwork and symbolic imagery, the artwork invites viewers to contemplate the profound beauty that can be found amidst imperfection and adversity. The solitary rose amidst withered flowers becomes a metaphor for resilience, strength, and the human capacity to appreciate the extraordinary even in the most unlikely of places.

As we immerse ourselves in the layers of "Diamond in the Rough," we are reminded of the importance of seeking out and cherishing moments of beauty, strength, and renewal, even when they seem scarce. Olusegun's masterpiece encourages us to embrace the imperfect and find solace in the hidden gems that reside within each of us and the world around us.

"Diamond in the Rough" serves as a poignant reminder that amidst life's challenges, there is always the potential for growth, transformation, and the discovery of something truly remarkable. Through this captivating artwork, Damilola Olusegun invites us to find the diamonds that sparkle within the rough terrain of our lives.

The soul is placed in a body like a rough diamond which doesn't start outshining not until it is polished. Without enduring the adversity and pressure of its environment, the diamond would never become the treasure it was meant to be. Your imperfections are what make you perfect.

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About Artist:
Born and raised in Sagamu - an industrial and agricultural city located about 70km from Lagos, Nigeria's largest city - Damilola's love of art was something her father first recognized and encouraged when she was a teenager. But it wasn't until a few months after his untimely death in late 2016 that she chose to hone her skills and pursue art seriously as a way to honor her father's memory.

In 2018, having amassed a collection of work she felt ready to present to the world, Damilola found herself at an impasse: where DOES a young artist showcase their work in Ogun State? Unable to find an answer, she organized the first-ever art show at her college - an academy of science, where she was studying microbiology. Using her own money and recruiting her mother and siblings as her support staff, she opened the show as an opportunity for other creatives from her school - including photographers and makeup artists - as well as artists from other schools. The reactions she received let her know that she was on the right track and she began submitting her work to open calls around the world. A year later, she was awarded the Best Young Visual Artist of 2019 by every day Chapter.

Fully self-taught, Damilola Olusegun relied on Youtube tutorials to learn the techniques she admired in the works of established professional artists. She quickly settled on portraits as her preferred style. As she studied more techniques, she also studied styles and would draw inspiration from a variety of artists- most notably fellow Nigerian Ken Nwadiogbu who led her towards the love of charcoal as a medium, Clio Newt on, and Juliane Berge, whose works swayed Damilda towards working uniquely on large scale surfaces.
While she doesn't appear in her works, Damilola infuses every portrait with an emotional story that can be felt by any viewer. Her work captures the grief of losing her father, and the difficulty of pursuing any dream when finances are unsteady; it captures the universal heartbreaks, frustration, and lessons of young adulthood. But Damilola also makes sure to convey hope, joy, and love through her work. "I've started incorporating flowers into my works," she says.

"I love the visual contrast of these colorful flowers against a black and white portrait. But the flowers are also a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is beauty and hope at every turn."
To that end, Damilola also mentors other young artists, teaching virtual and in-person classes in hopes of fostering in others the love of art that was nurtured in her.