Ebunoluwa 1 (Gift From God), 2022

Awosola Michael Angello  

Art has always been a powerful medium for expressing the complexities of the human experience. It has the ability to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and capture moments in time that resonate with the deepest parts of our souls. In the realm of contemporary art, a new masterpiece has emerged, captivating audiences with its profound simplicity and touching symbolism. Titled "Ebunoluwa (Gift From God)," this artwork features an infant leg and an adult hand holding it, encapsulating the essence of life's preciousness and the beauty of innocence.

The artist behind this thought-provoking piece is Awosola Michael Angello, and his message is loud and clear. He invites viewers to contemplate the profound connection between the two generations, symbolized by the juxtaposition of an infant's leg and an adult's hand. The title, "Ebunoluwa," which means "Gift From God" in the Yoruba language, adds an additional layer of depth and spirituality to the artwork.

At first glance, one is struck by the tender and delicate nature of the piece. The infant leg, with its soft, supple skin, represents the epitome of vulnerability and purity. It serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of childhood and the innocence that often eludes us as we grow older. The contrast between the tiny leg and the larger, weathered hand highlights the passage of time, the cycle of life, and the inevitable transition from youth to maturity.

The act of the hand holding the infant's leg conveys a profound sense of protection, nurturing, and love. It is a testament to the primal instinct of caretaking and the unbreakable bond between a parent or guardian and a child. Angello captures a universal sentiment that resonates with viewers from all walks of life, as we all understand the inherent beauty and significance of these intimate connections.

As we delve deeper into the artwork, we begin to question the broader implications of its meaning. Is "Ebunoluwa (Gift From God)" a commentary on the fragility of life? Does it serve as a reminder of the responsibility we have to protect and cherish our future generations? Or perhaps it is an exploration of the cyclical nature of human existence, where the old pass on their wisdom and experiences to the young, ensuring the continuity of life's journey.

The beauty of art lies in its ability to ignite personal interpretation and reflection. Each viewer may bring their own experiences, beliefs, and emotions to the contemplation of this artwork. It becomes a mirror through which we can explore our own connections with others, our roles in the grand tapestry of existence, and our responsibilities to those who come after us.

"Ebunoluwa (Gift From God)" is a testament to the power of simplicity and subtlety in art. It serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of preserving innocence, nurturing love, and embracing the profound connections we share as human beings. Through this artwork, the artist invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the precious gifts that life bestows upon us.

In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, "Ebunoluwa (Gift From God)" stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of art to uplift, inspire, and unite us. It reminds us that amidst the complexities of life, there is profound beauty in the simplest gestures of love and the innocence that resides within us all.

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About Artist
Born in the city of Lagos, Awosola Michael Angello’s oil paintings tend to register his state of emotions and thoughts and also explore the emotions of his viewers by employing magical implementation of chiaroscuro, alongside the powerful use of strong beams of vibrant colors and lights in passing across his messages through the dramatic poses and emotions embedded in his realistic figure paintings. As a baroque artist, his creativity is crystalized out of his nostalgic experiences, and his messages tend to examine as well the present life scenario of the socio-cultural activities of Africans and evidently, the occurrence that plays around him daily in passing across his messages.

In his painting technique, Angello is so much engrossed with the heavy usage of chiaroscuro as he draws on the Baroque Art Movement in his use of colors and light contrasts in a contemporary way. He considers Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt as he takes for drawing inspiration despite how he tries to remain creative to fit in for his contemporary 21st century age. Describing how much influenced he is by these masters, he states that “I’m always so impressed with the way they place their shades and how they tell their stories, using sensational lightings, dramatic movements of forms and depths of emotions their paintings convey above all. Therefore, I try to create my own light sources and because of my love for vibrant colors, I make use of heavily shaded backgrounds to contrast my highlights and reduce the noise of my paintings, so as to maintain the messages in them.” Angello has exhibited his works in Lagos and Abuja and was presented at the 2022 edition of the Iconic Lagos Art Exhibition at the Didi Museum. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Ondo state in 2015, currently lives in Abuja and is presently being represented by Susa Rodríguez-Garrido, artist, curator, publisher, and founder of Agama Art Publishing & Agency.