Orb Art Gallery and Collectibles Mixed Media

"Babatunde" is a compelling figurative portrait by Bukola Orioye that blends contemporary realism with symbolic reverence for ancestral continuity. Translating to “Father has returne...

Why Not Me - Contemporary African Expressionist Portrait Acrylic on Canvas [40in x 40in 2020 "Why Not Me" is a compelling and emotionally charged portrait that captures the unspok...

This captivating painting by Bukola Orioye, Radiant Innocence, is a bold celebration of joy, purity, and hope. What makes this piece truly unique is its ...

What Makes This Piece Unique or Special: Stories Within is a striking contemporary portrait that blends bold aesthetics with introspective storytelling. What makes this painting particularly special is its ability to capture a deeply personal yet universally relatable emotion the quiet power of shared human experiences that often remain unspoken. Bukola Orioye...

Description: Sworn Blood Sisters is a striking celebration of kinship, Black womanhood, and unbreakable bonds beyond biology. Through this emotive double portrait, Nigerian artist Bukola Orioye...

Now I Wear Myself Original Painting by Bukola Orioye Nigeria, 2022 Oil and acrylic on Canvas Dimensions: 36in x 36in Description: Now I Wear Myself is a...

“Beekeeper” is a distinctive work that fuses cultural heritage, symbolism, and contemporary portraiture in a way that is both elegant and thought-provoking. The painting showcases a central female figure wearing the traditional Shuku hairstyle; a Yoruba style historically reserved for women of high regard, making a powerful statement on identity, ancestry, and African femininity. The inclusion of water lilies adds a layer of symbolism around resilience and renewal, further enriching the narrative. What truly sets this piece apart is its metaphor: the “beekeeper” as a quiet, protective presence someone who nurtures sweetness while bearing the risk of the sting. It speaks to unseen labor, cultural preservation, and spiritual guardianship. This poetic symbolism, combined with bold composition and color, makes it emotionally resonant and visually memorable. Why is it worth the price? This painting is an investment in both visual excellence and cultural significance. As an original piece by Bukola Orioye...

“Aiyekooto (Insecure)” is a psychologically resonant painting that invites the viewer to reflect on the instability of truth in contemporary society. The Yoruba title Aiyekooto translates as “the world rejects truth” a fitting metaphor for an era defined by misinformation, curated identities, and performative honesty. At the center of the composition is a mysterious figure, partially obscured behind a sculptural, collar-like form, as though armored against scrutiny. A parrot, traditionally a truth-teller in Yoruba symbolism, perches on a branch nearby. But here, the bird becomes a subtle antagonist representing the overwhelming flood of conflicting information in our modern lives. The figure’s intense gaze, matched by surreal accessories like a lemon slice hat and hyper-stylized garment, suggests both elegance and caution. The mood is contemplative and charged a quiet but forceful critique of societal insecurity toward what is real, what is fabricated, and what we choose to believe. Orioye’s painterly skill, combined with his unique narrative approach, creates a work that is visually rich and conceptually deep. The balance of cultural symbolism, fashion surrealism, and psychological commentary makes this piece a timeless addition to any serious collection of contemporary African art. Why It’s Worth the Price: This is more than a portrait it’s a visual philosophy rendered in color, texture, and metaphor. Bukola Orioye...