“Synonyms” on view at Quintessence

Ibidun, Oil On Canvas, 36xInches

Come this Saturday, October 24, 2015, a solo art exhibition of works that dwell on children and dogs opens at Quintessence Gallery at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Interestingly, the exhibition titled Synonyms will be the first solo show of Oluwaseyi Gbadebo, a graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

Gbadebo who graduated in 2012 said he is inspired by the unique nature of children and dogs, which has always fascinated him. He stressed that he has been exploring the faces of children and dogs as an undergraduate and Synonyms has evolved overtime. 

Connecting the attributes of his subjects in Synonyms, Gbadebo added that he is inspired by the character and the facial expressions of children and dogs, especially in their ability to live for the moment. “They don’t remember the past neither are they worried about the future,” said the artist. 

The aim of the exhibition; “is to portray the wonder, innocence, self-less nature and beauty of childhood and the loyalty and beauty of dogs, as well as to echo the values they stand for. I want to make the society appreciate them more, and most importantly to be grateful to God who planted them in our lives.” The exhibition runs till Saturday, November 13, 2015. About a minimum of 25 paintings will be on display.

The body of works he has created also tends to show how much he has been influenced by animals in his youth as pets.The saying goes that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression. If this is true, then their presence is therapeutic in homes. To him: “God is the creator of man, woman is his helper and children are his heritage but dog is man’s best friend.”

Gbadebo added: “Dogs are called Man’s best friend because of their intelligence, loyalty and devotion and children being innocent and loving beings are best of friends of dogs. Their values and beauty inspire me as a person. I noticed that with children and pets (dogs in this context) we tend to be very free as persons. While children seek attention, dogs retain the capacity to read our mood and then act accordingly.”

Daniel, Oil On Canvas

Gbadebo as a realist, who tries to represent his subject truthfully is fascinated by their facial expressions and has found great joy in children and animals. His style is different from the stylized works that are in the market today. “I find balancing my works in terms of mixture of techniques and use of color personally suitable.” 

The artist said he plays with emotions and “I try to reflect on that, which is why I use vibrant colours and energetic strokes.”He is also inspired by the Parisian artist, Francoise Nielly.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1989, Gbadebo has exhibited in various art shows in Nigeria. He received his B.Tech (Fine and Applied Art) in 2012. He has exhibited in various art shows in Nigeria, which includes; Genesis, Igue Art Festival, Arrows in the Art, Mandela; through the eyes and of Nigerian Artists. His works are collected by galleries and private art collectors within and outside Nigeria. Gbadebo currently lives and work in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Exhibition curator, Mr Moses Ohiomokhare, who is also an art critic and collector said about the artist, “we started working with Gbadebo in 2012 when we noticed the potentials in his paintings and this stimulated our desire to give this emerging artist a solo exhibition. Quintessence is delighted to present this emerging artist.”