Drumming Soul - 21st Century, 2024

Mayowa Adekile  

Mayowa Adekile, a native of Ilesha, Osun State, Nigeria, found his artistic calling at a tender age, drawing inspiration from his elder brother's creative endeavours. However, it wasn't until his third unsuccessful attempt at a university entrance exam that Mayowa wholeheartedly embraced his passion for drawing. Under the guidance of a local artist in his hometown, he meticulously refined his craft, specialising in hyper-realistic drawings that captured the essence of his subjects with unparalleled detail and depth.

Although initially drawn to the sciences, Mayowa redirected his academic pursuits toward mathematics at the University of Adekunle Ajasin Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, where he obtained his bachelor's degree. During his undergraduate years, Mayowa's fascination with the fusion of visual art and mathematics flourished, particularly during his Industrial Training. Through rigorous exploration, he developed a groundbreaking algorithm and mathematical formula known as the Golden Ratio, which transformed his artistic process by seamlessly integrating pixel precision and resolution with this mathematical concept.

Now recognized as a leading contemporary visual artist based in Lagos, Nigeria, Mayowa's work transcends traditional mediums, as he primarily employs oil and acrylic on canvas to create narrative and figurative art that delves into the depths of the human soul. Intrigued by the enigmatic nature of the inner self, Mayowa endeavours to depict the essence of the soul through his artwork, exploring its colour, form, and essence in what he aptly describes as the "reflection of a man."

In 2019, Mayowa's talents were showcased at the Beautiful Exposition of Art exhibition at Kongi's Harvest Art Gallery, Freedom Park Lagos, where he not only exhibited his works but also participated in a documentary screening, offering insights into his creative process and his interpretation of beauty in art. Subsequently, in 2021, his artistic endeavours garnered further acclaim, with his works featured in prestigious publications such as Analogies and Allegories magazine, Falling out of Love magazine, Vanguard News, and Tribune News.