Nigerian, b. 1988
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.
His art is a tribute, an embodiment of strength, resilience, and the quiet but powerful stories that shape his socio-relatable and subconscious community. As a son raised singlehandedly by a single mother, he witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, perseverance, and unwavering love that defined and shaped a typical African child's upbringing. All his experiences with his mother and the women who surround him influence his work, fueling his exploration of identity, struggle, and the beauty found in women's resilience.
Through bold colors, intricate geometric patterns, and layered composition, he tells his stories of women's strength. His art is a reflection of the past and present, blending heritage with contemporary narratives. He is drawn to scenes and themes of equity in women's pedagogy; his art is a listening ear that has the power to give awareness to the unseen emotions the she-gender carries around.
Every art piece he creates is personal; his art is an extension of his soul search, subconscious awakening, and the gratitude he holds for the women who shaped him. His top goal is to evoke emotion and to start a very critical and crucial conversation in honor of the silent battles fought by so many, from the generation before his precious mother to the one coming after her. Art to him is storytelling, and his story is still unfolding.
