Never Say Die, 2024
Oluwafemi Afolabi

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“No matter how much you screw up your own life by the wrong decisions that you make, it's never too late to do the right thing and change your ways and you can teach old dogs new tricks."

God loves you, He sees you, and He has a plan to help you begin again. Because with God, it's never too late. He's the God of fresh starts, do-overs, new beginnings, and great finishes. He is the One who makes “all things new."

-Matthew chapter  19:26-

Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'

About Artist

Oluwafemi Afolabi, the chiropteran Painter is a native of Ogbomoso South Local Government of Oyo State, though birthed in the Northern part of Nigeria where he started his elementary education. His parent migrated to their native land where he then completed his elementary schooling and had his secondary education thereafter.

'Femi's foray into the world of Art started informally after his secondary school education when he enrolled as a trainee of Graphics and Sign Writing at Mide Print in Oyo town and has since then pursued his lifelong dream of becoming an Artist with passion. This irreversible pursuit has culminated in his crescendo as the uncharacteristic painter whose paintings classically reflect animal symbolism, with the unprecedented reflections of the chiropteran bats. The journey however has been far from being smooth especially after Olufemi lost his Dad as a lad. But big thanks to his Mum who dualized her role as both father and mother.

The maverick painter later proceeded to the well-regarded Emmanuel Alayande College of Education Oyo, Oyo state, and graduated as a Painting and Graphic Specialist in 2017. Interestingly, 'Femi has recently completed his bachelor's Degree program in Fine and Applied Arts at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (ACE chapter).

Artist Statement

To be precise, my art is my means of self-expression, the reflection of my community, and the appreciation of nature; an avenue to capture and narrate the untold stories of many who dwell on the other side of affluence. Furthermore, my craft seeks to draw attention to the interesting world of women and everything that surrounds them. i.e., her likes, beauty, struggles, indescribable love for children, and her intriguingly complex emotional entanglements in such a compelling manner. Given that I am an otherwise introverted fellow, the blank canvas becomes my platform to identify with the downtrodden and encourage the fearful. My meticulous renditions intentionally speak of hope and a brighter tomorrow as taught by the holy scriptures notwithstanding the uncertainties and doubts of today.

My non-conforming, predominantly - life paintings relentlessly long to encourage, inspire, and motivate the ones who aren't born with the proverbial silver spoon around the world; the dudes who aren't raised within the royal courts and the folks who had no privilege of being nursed in glass houses, to believe that the unbiased Creator has not forgotten anyone and tomorrow speaks of better things if the chin is raised and hope is sustained.

The Bats?

Ordinarily in the African context, the bats have somehow managed to be seen as a mysterious or possessed species of birds; they've been called creepy, scary, and spooky but I wouldn't want anyone to see them in that light with regards to my paintings. Flip to the other side of the narration and see that bats, according to scientists, are amazing; the only true flying mammal. Bats are comfortable with walking on the earth as well as flying high in the sky while raising children at the same time. Flowing from this discovery, I recall and commend my Mum who doubles as a parent for me after the untimely demise of my father. Hence, the chiroptic mammal that is reflected in almost all my paintings is in her honor and that is the philosophy behind the predominance of bats in my paintings. I hope that your curiosity is satisfied.