Abiyamo, 2024

Olamilekan Okunade  

Olamilekan Okunade is a contemporary Nigerian artist known for his bold, geometric compositions that blend cubism, abstraction, and African figurative art. His work captures the essence of Black identity, strength, and cultural heritage through striking color contrasts and fragmented forms.

Drawing inspiration from modernist movements and traditional African aesthetics, Okunade's style is defined by structured blocks of color, angular contours, and expressive portraits that convey both power and introspection. His subjects, often adorned in vibrant fabrics and accessories, exude grace and resilience, reflecting the beauty of African traditions in a modern visual language.

Through his art, Okunade challenges perceptions, celebrating the richness of Black culture while experimenting with form and composition.

Artist Statement

My art is a tribute, an embodiment of strength, resilience, and quiet but powerful stories that shape my socio-relatable and subconscious community. As a son raised singlehandedly by a single mother, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, perseverance, and unwavering love that defined and shaped a typical African child's upbringing. All my experiences with my mother and the women who surround me influence my work, fueling my exploration of identity, struggle, and beauty found in women's resilience.

Through bold colors, intricate geometric patterns, and layered composition, I tell my stories of women's strength. My art is a reflection of the past and present, blending heritage with contemporary narratives. I'm drawn to scenes and themes of equity in the women's pedagogy; my art is a listening ear that has the power to give awareness to the unseen emotions the she-gender carries around.

Every art piece I create is personal; my art is an extension of my soul search, subconscious awakening, and the gratitude I hold for the women who shaped me. My top goal is to evoke emotion, to start a very critical and crucial conversation in honor of the silent battles fought by so many from the generation before my precious mother to the one coming after her. Art to me is storytelling, and my story is still unfolding.