Toheeb Bankole
Road to Becoming
2023

About the Item

"Road to Becoming" is a compelling artwork by the talented artist Toheeb Bankole, featuring a young woman at its center. The piece serves as a profound exploration of the inevitable journey of growing up, encapsulating the artist's perspective on the transition from childhood to adulthood. The artwork conveys a poignant message about the universal experience of maturing, reminding viewers that growing up is an unavoidable necessity that eventually catches up with everyone, often without their permission. Bankole emphasizes that adulthood is not merely defined by age but is rather a stage characterized by self-knowledge and the assumption of full responsibility for one's life. One of the central themes of "Road to Becoming" is the challenge of holding onto one's idealism after the loss of innocence, a struggle that many young adults encounter as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. Bankole's portrayal of the young woman in the artwork serves as both a motivation and a reflection for all young adults trying to find their way in life. It encourages them to maintain their ideals and aspirations even in the face of the inevitable challenges that accompany growing up. Moreover, "Road to Becoming" also sends a broader societal message, reminding society to be considerate and empathetic towards the younger generation. It calls for understanding and support as young adults embark on their personal journeys of self-discovery and growth. In summary, Toheeb Bankole's "Road to Becoming" is a thought-provoking artwork that captures the essence of growing up and the challenges that come with it. It encourages self-reflection and idealism, serving as a source of motivation for young adults while prompting society to be more compassionate towards those on their path to adulthood. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) Toheeb Adebayo Bankole is a multifaceted visual artist, author, and activist who resides in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2012 and 2015, he received his first art instruction at Talents Art Kingdom with Mr. O. J. Oyebola. He then attended the renowned University of Lagos, where he studied art. He spent most of his youth creating toys from scraps, furniture from recycled wood from building sites and generally experimenting with his imagination using whatever materials he could find. His paintings often reflect his awareness of Yoruba culture, which he used to chronicle life events and the survival of the human race. By creative expression, Adebayo aspires to be an agent of change for a better society. He has participated in a number of art exhibits, competitions, and initiatives. Artist Statement Courage, hard work, humility, and respect, all of which describe the Yoruba philosophical and cultural concept of Omoluwabi (a person of good character irrespective of religion), are the compass that guides my life and artistic practice. Inspired by Yoruba adages, the happenings around me, the thematic concepts in the works of contemporary Nigerian artists like Norbert Okpu, and Bob Nosa, and diaspora artists like Prof. Moyo Okediji, and also the Araism painting technique of Mufu Onifade has influenced my style. My works often embody the infusion of impressionism style in contemporary painting techniques featuring analogous and triadic color schemes and I often work with acrylic and oil on canvas. Through the lens of Stoicism, I tend to create a world that is undeniably separate from the one we live in. Nurtured by the concept of Omoluawabi since birth, and growing up to learn about the Stoics' way of life, which emphasizes the greatest living virtues, is what inspired most of my artistic creations. Consequently, my art has sought to not only agitate for a free and fair society for all but also to document life events and human survival. I share personal experiences of how man’s desires and behaviors often conflict with life’s design and the dictates of nature.

Creator:

Toheeb Bankole (1996, Nigerian)

Creation Year:

2023

Dimensions:

Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)

Medium:

Canvas,Acrylic

Movement & Style:

Expressionist

Period:

21st Century