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Olumide Ajayi
Altschmerz - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expression, Pop Culture, Love

2025

$1,650
£1,250.19
€1,434.49
CA$2,321.82
A$2,552.31
CHF 1,341.38
MX$30,994.40
NOK 16,733.37
SEK 15,853.70
DKK 10,705.97

About the Item

There was comfort in loving the broken. Not because I believed I could fix them, but because I couldn’t yet fix myself. I was tired of being the victim, so I chose to become the healer. But in every soul I tried to rescue, I was chasing the ghost of my own reflection. Maybe that’s what altschmerz is, a haunting familiarity with pain. I kept calling the purpose. I'm not sure why I wanted to save and keep every soul in distress. I'm not entirely convinced it was because I made myself accessible to them. I do have theories. I think the need to sympathize wasn't enough, so I overprioritized them. I pleaded guilty to a crime I didn't commit. So, here I was cleansing a soul I had no business fixing. I jeopardized my happiness at the cost of them not feeling pain. I wanted to spare those layers they were going to shed, that disturbing pain of heartbreak. I wanted to be the hero this time; I was tired of being the victim. I wanted to feel purpose. I didn't for one moment wish ever to fade away from the puzzle I was putting together of my own. It was easier to love them than unpack the haunting pain I buried. I don't know why it was lighter to love the broken. Maybe it was a reflection of myself. Perhaps because I vowed to love myself, and I let myself down. Perhaps I was afraid to admit I was broken, too. About Artist Olumide Ajayi, born in the vibrant and culturally rich Osun State, Nigeria, is a multifaceted individual whose diverse interests and talents span writing, entrepreneurship, business management, and technology. Growing up in a region known for its deep-rooted traditions and artistic heritage, Olumide developed a profound appreciation for the arts, music, and entertainment from an early age. With an educational background in science and a stint in business management and technology, Olumide has successfully merged his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for creativity. Artist Statement In the depths of our being, we often encounter feelings that are too profound to articulate, emotions that swirl like shadows, whispering secrets that linger just beyond the edges of understanding. My work seeks to embrace these complex feelings, giving them a canvas to breathe, shift, and resonate. My paintings generally explore the psycho-emotional aspect of everyday life. As the mind exists without form, the body acts as a window into the mind. I tried to focus on the not-so-obvious feelings. I want to tell truths that you can see only if you care to look inward and pay attention to the details. The cyclical motifs and fading gradients in my works convey the endless flow of time, where individual lives are fleeting moments in a greater continuum. Life doesn’t wait for you to be alright; it just keeps going like an endless circle. Each piece I create reflects my journey through the labyrinth of human experience. I explore the beauty and turmoil of emotions that can feel isolating yet are universally shared. With paint, textures, and colors, I invite viewers to confront their depths and recognize that the feelings they carry are valid and significant. I hope that when you stand before my work, you find a connection that transcends words, a reminder that you are not alone in your struggles and triumphs. These pieces are a testament to resilience, a visual embrace that assures us all that we will be fine in the end. Together, let us navigate the intricacies of our emotions and celebrate the profound strength that comes from vulnerability.
  • Creator:
    Olumide Ajayi (1996, Nigerian)
  • Creation Year:
    2025
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 36 in (91.44 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Ibadan, NG
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1717216969802

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