Monday 10 June 2019

'Generations-3' artists return to Mydrim Gallery with fresh strokes

'Contemplation' by Salako Olajide.

For the third year running, Mydrim Gallery presents young artists whose skills offer a window into the future mastery of art. The 2019 edition titled Generations 3 - The Future Masters Series opens on Saturday, June 29, showing till Saturday July 13, 2019 at Mydrim Gallery, 74B Norman Williams Street, S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos.

Chinedu Uzoma, Damilola Opedun, Emeka Nwagbara, Ezekiel Osifeso, Olajide Salako, Olufemi Oyewole, Oluwafunke Oladimeji, Opeyemi Olukotun, Segun Fagorusi and Raji Mohammed are Generations-3 artists.

'Serenity', by Oluwafunke Oladimeji (23.5 x 31.5 inches, Oil  on canvas (Pallete knife), 2019).
In her streetscape realism rendition titled 'The Council', the only female of the group, Oladimeji tells the story of "clusters of nomads discussing issues that are of importance to them and others at large. It is a portrayal of roving entrepreneurs in a transit camp at night."

She is showing 'Business District', 24 x 30 inches, Oil on canvas (Pallette Knife), 2019 and  'Fishermen's Quarter's', 24 x 32 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019, among others.

Bio: Born in February, 1988 in Lagos, Nigeria, Oluwafunke graduated with a BA (Bachelor of Arts) from Ekiti State University in 2013.

After graduation, Oluwafunke applied for an internship programme at the Universal Studios of Art, National Theatre, Lagos, under the guidance of Abiodun Olaku. In the process, she found passionate affinity for the unique style, technique and philosophy of her mentor.
The various aspects of a city and its scenic activities are of great influence on her work.

Oluwafunke is a member of the Universal Studios of Art and the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), and her works have been showcased in some group exhibitions and auctions.

'The prognosis of Gele II', by Emeka Nwagbara (27.5 x 35.5 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019).
 Nwagbara shows ‘Gele Series, among other paintings. Artist Statement:  “The ‘Gele’ series is currently in its fifth year. It is typical of West-African women getting dressed for an event to honour their loved ones– at wedding, birthday parties etc. These ladies are unified in the act of getting dressed for an occasion. 'Gele', which means head tie in traditional Yoruba fashion, is an integral component of the iro and buba attire of the people." Other works of Nwagbara for the exhibition, among others include ‘The prognosis of gele I, 30 x 40 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019 and ‘Lobby Series - we are family’, 28 x 36 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019.

Nwagbara was born born July 9, 1969, in Abia State, Nigeria. He is a self-taught contemporary Nigerian artist whose passion fuelled his transition from the banking sector into full-time studio practice. Despite his lack of formal art education, he has several years of guidance under famous painter such as Edosa Ogiugo and Abiodun Olaku at the Universal Studios of Art, where he still practices as a professional artist.

He established his full time studio practice in 2005 and he works in oils, pastels, pencil and charcoal. He has indeed proven that art is a career choice that requires latent talent and continuous development of skills. Nwagbara has been engaged in a number of high profile art projects and commissions. His works have been exhibited in several group shows nationally and internationally.


'The Search', by Chinedu Uzoma (30 x 30 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019).
Uzoma says: “The true source of everything is God and our enquiry amidst strident and confronting circumstances should be directed to Him; the creator. As we delve into matters that affect us beyond our control, God will come to our aid when we ask Him to."

Uzoma is a painter and draughtsman based in Lagos. He carried out a brief apprenticeship at the Universal Studios prior to his academic training. In 2014, he graduated from Lagos State Polytechnic with a Distinction in Painting. His creative process is greatly infuenced by nature, philosophy and the human anatomy.

He remains a practicing artist in Lagos, Nigeria. ‘The Bargain’, 30 x 28 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2019, and ‘Reap of Joy’, 28 x 30 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2019 are two of his works for the exhibition.



'Oge', by Olajide Salako (38 x 43.8 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019).
Salako who is showing a piece titled 'Apprehension', among others, states: "It’s a symbolic painting that captures two young chaps at night with looks of uncertainty and fear of the unknown written all over their faces. Not certain of what the future bears for them as a result of the upheaval and the unpredictability in the society today on virtually all fronts."

He is a painter who obtained his National Certificate of Education (NCE) at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos in 2009. Salako trained under master artists at the prestigious Universal Studios of Art. He is currently a full-time studio artist and has participated in several group exhibitions.

He is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Universal Studios of Art, National Art Theatre Lagos and the Plein-air Society of Nigeria. For this exhibition, he  is also showing  ‘Oge’, 38 x 43.8 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019 and ‘Omosalewa’ (Demo)’, 21 x 17 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019, among other works.


'Iya Alaro', by Segun Fagorusi (30 x 50 inches, Oil and acrylic on canvas, 2019).
Fagorusi brings onto canvas the story of 'Iya Alaro'. He  explains:  “'Kampala' and 'Adire' are popular fabrics in Nigeria. However, their producers are usually anonymous; they operate in inconspicuous locations and are usually in oblivion as against their foreign counterparts who produce Ankara fabrics. Names like Vlisco, Hollandis, Star wax, and a host of many others are popularly associated with Ankara fabrics.  What brand name comes to mind with regards to Kampala? 'Iya Alaro' celebrates the efforts of anonymous women who make these beautiful fabrics that we continually adorn ourselves with."

Other works of his include 'Iya Alaro,' 30 x 50 inches, Oil and acrylic on canvas, 201,9 and Who Knows?, 48 x 48 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019 are among some of his works on display for the group show.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Fagorusi is a drafter and painter. He graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University with a BA in Fine and Applied Arts. He also holds a Master's degree in African Visual Arts from the University of Ibadan.

Fagorusi uses his art to document the issues that affect the people in his immediate environment. His paintings are also used to spark discourse in relation to the economic, political and socio-cultural status of the nation. His recent works have focused on elderly people in Nigeria and the deteriorating living conditions that most of them are being subjected to. He paints in oil, chalk, pastel and acrylic.

He has participated in several group exhibitions. Fagorusi's works can be found in private collections within and outside Nigeria.

'Strategic Positioning', by Ezekiel Osifeso (29.25 x 35.25, Acrylic on canvas, 2019).

For Osifeso, it’s 'Silent Anticipation: “Moments arise when we are faced with situations that are beyond our grasp. We close our eyes having too many things to say and too little to utter, our mouths made too heavy to speak, and our hearts pounding with requests. In those moments, only the silence whispers of our heart and mind resonates in anticipation of a miracle.”

'Bewildered', 30 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2019 and 'Madonna of the west', 24 x 30 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2019 are among his works showing at the exhibition.

Osifeso was born on 15 August, 1992 in Lagos, but originally comes from Ogun State. From 2009 – 2014, he studied Visual Arts, specializing in Painting from the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos. He completed the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Universal Studio of Arts under prolific artists such as Abiodun Olaku, Joshua Nmesirionye and Ejoh Wallace. In 2015, he completed his National Youth Service Corps at the Benue State Council for Arts and Culture.

He has participated in various group exhibitions in Lagos and Abuja. Osifeso's studio is based in Lagos.


'Customer Come II', (24 x 48 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019).
Olukotun shows two major themes: ‘Lagos Night Market’ and ‘Facial Expressions and Okada. “As more companies and factories go into extinction, a greater percentage of the workforce, who are daily being thrown into the unemployment market, have launched themselves into the “okada” business – a business that guarantees them instant profit and it is an all-comer’s affair.

"It is so because anybody can venture into the business at any time. They are emboldened because all you need is to get hold of a motorcycle and hit the road at once."

 Other works include ‘Customer come II’, 24 x 48 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019 and  Matters Arising, 24 x 30 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019.

Opeyemi is a graduate of Fine and Applied Art from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. He did a two-year internship at the Universal Studios of Art, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

His works primarily present the human expressions and anatomy in colourful and plausible forms. Opeyemi believes that his style is still evolving even though he remains keen on using his art to highlight the different forms and values humans embody. 


'Gone Like Yesterday', by Olufemi Oyewole (42 x 60 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019).
Excerpts from Oyewole’s Artist Statement: "Part of Oyewole’s process before he begins painting is to do wide research about the idea(s) he is to recreate on canvas. With every work, he seeks to breathe life into a long forgotten culture so that its designs, ideas, innovations, and lifestyle are meaningfully represented on the canvas or wood panels.  

"He states that the challenge as with any recreated moment from the past is to not misrepresent the moment but instead capture it in all its former glory. His artwork speaks not only for him but for people who are usually silenced".

 He is showing ‘Gone Like Yesterday’, 42 x 60 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019 and ‘In wait’, 30 x 40 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019, among others.

Oyewole studied Painting at the Federal College of Education, Lagos. He recently obtained a Masters in Fine Arts (Painting) from Obafemi Awolowo University where he also studied Fine and Applied Arts in (state the year).

He has participated in several group exhibitions in Nigeria and the United States of America. He is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), the International Watercolour Society of Nigeria, Plein-Air Society of Nigeria and associate member of the Universal Studios of Art.


'The Wait (Connection series), by Raji Mohammed (Oil on canvas (Impasto), 50 x 53cm, 2019).
Visual narrative from Mohammed’s 'Evening Light series': “Her brown skin shone beautifully as the soft evening light illuminated her room. It was the golden sunset that had variegated her face so. That was all the makeup she needed to look stunning before her lover that night. She complimented nature's gift with her bright red scarf and some fitting jewelries. That night was like many others and the evening light was always there to help."

‘Evening Light III (Preparation series)’, 20 x 24 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2019 and ‘My little thought’ (Expectation series), 18 x 27.5 inches, Oil on canvas, 2018

Born in Lagos, Nigeria on 29 July,1986. Raji is a painter who works with different media ranging from oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, pen and graphite. He is inspired by Nigerian and foreign masters as well as everyday rituals and endeavours.

In 2008, Raji graduated from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto-Ijanikin where he studied Fine and Applied Art, majoring in painting. He further obtained a B.Sc. (ED) in Art Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2015.

Raji briefly apprenticed at the Universal Studios of Art (U.S.A.) at National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos and A.S. Ebenezer Art Studio from 2008 to 2010.
He has one solo exhibition as well as several group exhibitions to his credit.


'Water and Fire', by Damilola Opedun (40 x 65 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019.
For Opedun , the costal  community of Makoko is a project.  “The community situated in Lagos with its ills still largely invisible to most of the city’s residents. A community surrounded by horrors yet its people, especially the children habour beauty and hope."

The artist shares his personal experiences as well as the stories of the occupants of the community. His aim is to be a voice that brings awareness to the horrid living conditions that these occupants experience daily, with the hope of empowering and transforming their lives”. Gratitude, 18 x 24 inches, Oil on canvas, 2018, Focus, 34 x 30 inches, Oil on canvas, 2018, The beloved I (Series), 24 x 30 inches, Oil on canvas, 2019 and Light of Hope, 18 x 24 inches, I'll on canvas, 2018 are along works he is showing.

Opedun was born in Ibadan, Oyo State. He studied Art and Design at the Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. He also completed a Higher National Diploma in Painting and emerged as the best student in 2010.

Opedun has featured in several national and international publications. His works have also received international recognition and awards. He has participated in several group exhibitions in Nigeria. His works are in private collections both at home and abroad.
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