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Olamide Ayomipo Adesola (Ayo'lamide)
Portraits
A selection of Portraits painted by Ayo'lamide
Focus
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
32 x 40 inches
2023
How do you manage the complete inability to focus that can come with grief? How do you forge ahead? The repeated questions constantly running through my head. The recent loss of my father inspired this piece. It changed everything for me. It changed how I viewed things. I began to over think; my grief messed up my concentration! I was almost consumed by my pain. It was overwhelming and life-changing! I put a smile on to mask my pain and fears. But I knew I couldn’t continue to wallow in my pain. I had to brace up and face these conflicting emotions of fear, guilt and anxiety to navigate through life. As a response to this, I began to visualize on words of affirpmations to help me warm back to creativity. Creating again restored my will, drive and focus! I knew I had to make a conscious effort to choose not to be distracted or unfocused. I chose the willingness to not procrastinate and, “just do it!” However, grief responses vary as a function of individual differences in dispositional tendencies, coping responses and the circumstances of death. That being said, asking for help from friends, family, co-workers or seeking professional help from a therapist might probably go a long way to get through this feeling. I chose to breathe and snap back to reality; I chose to journal my thoughts through my Art. I chose to focus!
32 x 40 inches
2023
How do you manage the complete inability to focus that can come with grief? How do you forge ahead? The repeated questions constantly running through my head. The recent loss of my father inspired this piece. It changed everything for me. It changed how I viewed things. I began to over think; my grief messed up my concentration! I was almost consumed by my pain. It was overwhelming and life-changing! I put a smile on to mask my pain and fears. But I knew I couldn’t continue to wallow in my pain. I had to brace up and face these conflicting emotions of fear, guilt and anxiety to navigate through life. As a response to this, I began to visualize on words of affirpmations to help me warm back to creativity. Creating again restored my will, drive and focus! I knew I had to make a conscious effort to choose not to be distracted or unfocused. I chose the willingness to not procrastinate and, “just do it!” However, grief responses vary as a function of individual differences in dispositional tendencies, coping responses and the circumstances of death. That being said, asking for help from friends, family, co-workers or seeking professional help from a therapist might probably go a long way to get through this feeling. I chose to breathe and snap back to reality; I chose to journal my thoughts through my Art. I chose to focus!
HER HIGHNESS
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
24 x 36 inches
2022
She’s Queen, she’s powerful, she’s Black. Her royalty doesn’t necessarily have to be by birth, but by her virtues and values. She’s not a goddess, but she’s a Queen! She’s brave and cannot be overlooked; though history might tend to be unjust to her. Though she’s covered in Green, once you dig to the roots you’ll discover that the foundation is Black. Though she’s compassionate, she’s a fighter for what is just and right! She’ll never stop fighting for the good course because she’s… Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Chief Justice Meaza Ashenaf, Karmala Harris, Serena Williams …and so on.
24 x 36 inches
2022
She’s Queen, she’s powerful, she’s Black. Her royalty doesn’t necessarily have to be by birth, but by her virtues and values. She’s not a goddess, but she’s a Queen! She’s brave and cannot be overlooked; though history might tend to be unjust to her. Though she’s covered in Green, once you dig to the roots you’ll discover that the foundation is Black. Though she’s compassionate, she’s a fighter for what is just and right! She’ll never stop fighting for the good course because she’s… Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Chief Justice Meaza Ashenaf, Karmala Harris, Serena Williams …and so on.
The Golden Girl
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
2 x 3 ft
2022
The painting is a depiction of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of black women as they achieve success and make significant contributions. This artwork beautifully captures the power and grace of black women as they shine brightly in their endeavors
2 x 3 ft
2022
The painting is a depiction of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of black women as they achieve success and make significant contributions. This artwork beautifully captures the power and grace of black women as they shine brightly in their endeavors
The Human and her White Halo
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
24 x 30 inches
2023
In life, nothing is promised and nothing good ever comes easy. As humans, we encounter challenges/life hurdles at some point in our lives. Going through this phase alone might not be the best or sensible thing to do. It’s always good to have a place of peace to let it all out… or to have something that signifies it. ( just to help you keep your sanity). The depiction of the White Hallo over the figure is what signifies peace that calms the storm. Through out my life struggles, the things/ moments that have kept me going is being in my creative space and moments shared with the people I love. (* of course I’m not forgetting the God factor in the entirety) What signifies peace for each individual is different. Yours could be moments with your siblings, parents,the love of your life, your best friend, it could even be your work, being with your therapist and so on. At the end the day, we should be able to identify what signifies peace in our lives and constantly utilize it to calm our storm!
24 x 30 inches
2023
In life, nothing is promised and nothing good ever comes easy. As humans, we encounter challenges/life hurdles at some point in our lives. Going through this phase alone might not be the best or sensible thing to do. It’s always good to have a place of peace to let it all out… or to have something that signifies it. ( just to help you keep your sanity). The depiction of the White Hallo over the figure is what signifies peace that calms the storm. Through out my life struggles, the things/ moments that have kept me going is being in my creative space and moments shared with the people I love. (* of course I’m not forgetting the God factor in the entirety) What signifies peace for each individual is different. Yours could be moments with your siblings, parents,the love of your life, your best friend, it could even be your work, being with your therapist and so on. At the end the day, we should be able to identify what signifies peace in our lives and constantly utilize it to calm our storm!
Influenced by the Brits
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
23.1 x 32.6 inches
2023
What inspired this piece is the Artist’s migration journey from Nigeria to the United Kingdom . But this piece goes deeper in meaning than that. This piece could also be said to be a representation of the colonial rule of the British over the Black race they colonized. But the Artist’s actual intention is to share a bit of her migration story of having hopes and aspirations on her new journey towards a new life or direction. It projects the emotions of fear and aspirations that comes with moving from a familiar environment to an unfamiliar one. The feeling of doubt, hope and determination to succeed against all odds were expressed through the gaze of the figure. The Artist also represented the cultural/physical differences encountered with the choice of colour palette. She used the female figure of a young lady with a traditionally styled hair as a representation of her background , which was totally different from what she encountered at her destination .( most of the women she encountered were mostly on silky pressed and straight hairs). She experienced differences in the cuisine and fashion as well (the weather often dictated the mode of dressing). All the aforementioned were put into consideration which brought into reality the conception of this piece.
23.1 x 32.6 inches
2023
What inspired this piece is the Artist’s migration journey from Nigeria to the United Kingdom . But this piece goes deeper in meaning than that. This piece could also be said to be a representation of the colonial rule of the British over the Black race they colonized. But the Artist’s actual intention is to share a bit of her migration story of having hopes and aspirations on her new journey towards a new life or direction. It projects the emotions of fear and aspirations that comes with moving from a familiar environment to an unfamiliar one. The feeling of doubt, hope and determination to succeed against all odds were expressed through the gaze of the figure. The Artist also represented the cultural/physical differences encountered with the choice of colour palette. She used the female figure of a young lady with a traditionally styled hair as a representation of her background , which was totally different from what she encountered at her destination .( most of the women she encountered were mostly on silky pressed and straight hairs). She experienced differences in the cuisine and fashion as well (the weather often dictated the mode of dressing). All the aforementioned were put into consideration which brought into reality the conception of this piece.
The African Child
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
24 x 30 inches
2023
Dear African Child, Your Black is beautiful! The earth that birthed your existence is rich in all its glory of Culture, heritage and tradition. You hail from a home of integrity and honour. A place of pride with great heroes and heroines.
Dear African Child, don’t be told what you are! You are what and who you say you are! You are strong, strong enough to face and conquer any obstacle. You are unique, intelligent and full of love.
Dear African Child, disregard empty promises of the future, be the future because you actually are the future! Grow up to be who you want to be, the Sky is your stepping stone, not your limit! You are the beaming moon up in the sky.
Dear African child, do not depend on false love. Grow to love yourself and stay true to your entity. Be capable of loving and giving love. Be a good ambassador to your motherland. You are the symbol of beauty, strength and power, in you lies greatness!
My dear African Child, you are relevant. You do not need validation. You hail from the descendants of Kings and Queens. But bear in mind that you are human first before you are Black!
PS: This is not a poem. It is a heartfelt write up I have come up with for this piece.
24 x 30 inches
2023
Dear African Child, Your Black is beautiful! The earth that birthed your existence is rich in all its glory of Culture, heritage and tradition. You hail from a home of integrity and honour. A place of pride with great heroes and heroines.
Dear African Child, don’t be told what you are! You are what and who you say you are! You are strong, strong enough to face and conquer any obstacle. You are unique, intelligent and full of love.
Dear African Child, disregard empty promises of the future, be the future because you actually are the future! Grow up to be who you want to be, the Sky is your stepping stone, not your limit! You are the beaming moon up in the sky.
Dear African child, do not depend on false love. Grow to love yourself and stay true to your entity. Be capable of loving and giving love. Be a good ambassador to your motherland. You are the symbol of beauty, strength and power, in you lies greatness!
My dear African Child, you are relevant. You do not need validation. You hail from the descendants of Kings and Queens. But bear in mind that you are human first before you are Black!
PS: This is not a poem. It is a heartfelt write up I have come up with for this piece.
NO WOMAN, NO CRY!
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
3 x 3 ft
2022
Her challenges motivate her to stay focused and never relent. She exudes confidence against all odds. Her confidence is inimitable. She has taken her challenges at life in strides. Staying focused and positive is her only chance of survival. Everything will be alright woman… So woman, don’t cry!
3 x 3 ft
2022
Her challenges motivate her to stay focused and never relent. She exudes confidence against all odds. Her confidence is inimitable. She has taken her challenges at life in strides. Staying focused and positive is her only chance of survival. Everything will be alright woman… So woman, don’t cry!
My Dreams are Valid
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
24 x 36 inches
2022
*MY DREAMS ARE VALID* Being me is unique. I wish all eyes could see that. I wish I wouldn’t have to be judged right from the first glance at me. I wish getting an education wouldn’t have to be second-guessed for me. I wish that I wouldn’t have to live on the lonely island of poverty. I wish that I wouldn’t have to be judged by the colour of my skin before having the chance to exhibit the content of my character. I believe that all men are created equal and should be treated as such. I believe that despite my colour, my dreams are valid!
24 x 36 inches
2022
*MY DREAMS ARE VALID* Being me is unique. I wish all eyes could see that. I wish I wouldn’t have to be judged right from the first glance at me. I wish getting an education wouldn’t have to be second-guessed for me. I wish that I wouldn’t have to live on the lonely island of poverty. I wish that I wouldn’t have to be judged by the colour of my skin before having the chance to exhibit the content of my character. I believe that all men are created equal and should be treated as such. I believe that despite my colour, my dreams are valid!
Preparation
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 27 x 20 inches
Year: 2016
This painting really emphasizes the importance of preparing in life. The depiction of the reading lady with the yellow scarf fully engrossed in her book, represents the idea that if we don't prepare ourselves for work or challenges, we may end up unprepared and facing failure. It's a reminder to put in the effort and be ready for whatever life throws at us.
Size: 27 x 20 inches
Year: 2016
This painting really emphasizes the importance of preparing in life. The depiction of the reading lady with the yellow scarf fully engrossed in her book, represents the idea that if we don't prepare ourselves for work or challenges, we may end up unprepared and facing failure. It's a reminder to put in the effort and be ready for whatever life throws at us.
Queen Moremi
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
33 x 40 inches
2023
This painting is a representation of the legendary Yorùbá Queen and Heroine from the southwestern part of Nigeria. She assisted in the liberation of the Yorùbá Kingdom of Ifè from the Neighbouring Ugbo Kingdom. Móremí lived in the 12th century as a Queen, a wife to Òrànmíyàn. (the son of Odùduwà the first king of Ifè) This painting tries to capture her beauty as a Queen and her feminine power, which is a symbol of strength used to conquer and liberate her people. It was gathered that with Ifè under siege, following the incessant raids, she allowed herself be captured and taken in as a slave by the Ugbo. But with her beauty and with the help of a river god called Esimirin, she became the ruler’s anointed Queen. She familiarized herself with the secrets of her new husband’s army and was able to help her people defeat them in battle using the intelligence she provided. Although, victory was attained through her bravery, courageous and heroic efforts, it did not come without a price to pay. Her only son Oluorogbo had to be sacrificed as requested by the Esimirin… the river god. The offering of her son not only grieved her but also the entire Ife Kingdom, which made her people offer themselves to be her eternal children as a consolation for the loss of her child… a promise kept till this day. PS: as a woman, have a purpose to your existence! God has given women Strength, Beauty and the ability to be Creative… what you do with it is on you! Maximize your femininity so as to gain love and respect! Being a woman does not equalize to being feeble, rather… it is your Strength and your gateway to Love, Growth and Power! Every Flower is a soul blossom in nature, whether you let yours wither is up to you! Móremí bloomed like a Flower with fragrance which was enjoyed by her people… what will be your story after your end?
This painting is a representation of the legendary Yorùbá Queen and Heroine from the southwestern part of Nigeria. She assisted in the liberation of the Yorùbá Kingdom of Ifè from the Neighbouring Ugbo Kingdom. Móremí lived in the 12th century as a Queen, a wife to Òrànmíyàn. (the son of Odùduwà the first king of Ifè) This painting tries to capture her beauty as a Queen and her feminine power, which is a symbol of strength used to conquer and liberate her people. It was gathered that with Ifè under siege, following the incessant raids, she allowed herself be captured and taken in as a slave by the Ugbo. But with her beauty and with the help of a river god called Esimirin, she became the ruler’s anointed Queen. She familiarized herself with the secrets of her new husband’s army and was able to help her people defeat them in battle using the intelligence she provided. Although, victory was attained through her bravery, courageous and heroic efforts, it did not come without a price to pay. Her only son Oluorogbo had to be sacrificed as requested by the Esimirin… the river god. The offering of her son not only grieved her but also the entire Ife Kingdom, which made her people offer themselves to be her eternal children as a consolation for the loss of her child… a promise kept till this day. PS: as a woman, have a purpose to your existence! God has given women Strength, Beauty and the ability to be Creative… what you do with it is on you! Maximize your femininity so as to gain love and respect! Being a woman does not equalize to being feeble, rather… it is your Strength and your gateway to Love, Growth and Power! Every Flower is a soul blossom in nature, whether you let yours wither is up to you! Móremí bloomed like a Flower with fragrance which was enjoyed by her people… what will be your story after your end?
33 x 40 inches
2023
This painting is a representation of the legendary Yorùbá Queen and Heroine from the southwestern part of Nigeria. She assisted in the liberation of the Yorùbá Kingdom of Ifè from the Neighbouring Ugbo Kingdom. Móremí lived in the 12th century as a Queen, a wife to Òrànmíyàn. (the son of Odùduwà the first king of Ifè) This painting tries to capture her beauty as a Queen and her feminine power, which is a symbol of strength used to conquer and liberate her people. It was gathered that with Ifè under siege, following the incessant raids, she allowed herself be captured and taken in as a slave by the Ugbo. But with her beauty and with the help of a river god called Esimirin, she became the ruler’s anointed Queen. She familiarized herself with the secrets of her new husband’s army and was able to help her people defeat them in battle using the intelligence she provided. Although, victory was attained through her bravery, courageous and heroic efforts, it did not come without a price to pay. Her only son Oluorogbo had to be sacrificed as requested by the Esimirin… the river god. The offering of her son not only grieved her but also the entire Ife Kingdom, which made her people offer themselves to be her eternal children as a consolation for the loss of her child… a promise kept till this day. PS: as a woman, have a purpose to your existence! God has given women Strength, Beauty and the ability to be Creative… what you do with it is on you! Maximize your femininity so as to gain love and respect! Being a woman does not equalize to being feeble, rather… it is your Strength and your gateway to Love, Growth and Power! Every Flower is a soul blossom in nature, whether you let yours wither is up to you! Móremí bloomed like a Flower with fragrance which was enjoyed by her people… what will be your story after your end?
This painting is a representation of the legendary Yorùbá Queen and Heroine from the southwestern part of Nigeria. She assisted in the liberation of the Yorùbá Kingdom of Ifè from the Neighbouring Ugbo Kingdom. Móremí lived in the 12th century as a Queen, a wife to Òrànmíyàn. (the son of Odùduwà the first king of Ifè) This painting tries to capture her beauty as a Queen and her feminine power, which is a symbol of strength used to conquer and liberate her people. It was gathered that with Ifè under siege, following the incessant raids, she allowed herself be captured and taken in as a slave by the Ugbo. But with her beauty and with the help of a river god called Esimirin, she became the ruler’s anointed Queen. She familiarized herself with the secrets of her new husband’s army and was able to help her people defeat them in battle using the intelligence she provided. Although, victory was attained through her bravery, courageous and heroic efforts, it did not come without a price to pay. Her only son Oluorogbo had to be sacrificed as requested by the Esimirin… the river god. The offering of her son not only grieved her but also the entire Ife Kingdom, which made her people offer themselves to be her eternal children as a consolation for the loss of her child… a promise kept till this day. PS: as a woman, have a purpose to your existence! God has given women Strength, Beauty and the ability to be Creative… what you do with it is on you! Maximize your femininity so as to gain love and respect! Being a woman does not equalize to being feeble, rather… it is your Strength and your gateway to Love, Growth and Power! Every Flower is a soul blossom in nature, whether you let yours wither is up to you! Móremí bloomed like a Flower with fragrance which was enjoyed by her people… what will be your story after your end?
The Girl with the Red Scarf
20x25inches
Oil on Canvas
2014
Fatima is a simple girl from a rural environment filled with dreams and hopeful of actualizing them. She’s a depiction of a typical local girl full of aspirations. A girl that never gives up on a challenge!
Oil on Canvas
2014
Fatima is a simple girl from a rural environment filled with dreams and hopeful of actualizing them. She’s a depiction of a typical local girl full of aspirations. A girl that never gives up on a challenge!
AwaitingThe Bell
Oil on Canvas
40.5 x 29.8 inches
2013
In the painting "Awaiting the Bell," there is a depiction of a classroom filled with students wearing uniforms, eagerly waiting for the bell to ring. However, the main character stands out as she is depicted sleeping, possibly out of exhaustion. It's a scene that captures the contrast between the students' anticipation and the main character's need for rest.
40.5 x 29.8 inches
2013
In the painting "Awaiting the Bell," there is a depiction of a classroom filled with students wearing uniforms, eagerly waiting for the bell to ring. However, the main character stands out as she is depicted sleeping, possibly out of exhaustion. It's a scene that captures the contrast between the students' anticipation and the main character's need for rest.
Hopeful
Hopeful
16x20inches
Oil on Canvas
2014
Hopeful is a piece that captures the essence of a child's life. The vibrant color palette symbolizes the innocence, joy, and optimism that children often embody. The use of bright and warm colors represents the energy and enthusiasm that children bring to the world. It's like a visual representation of the excitement and wonder that children experience in their everyday lives. The blue eyes in the painting could symbolize curiosity and a sense of wonder, as blue is often associated with depth and introspection. Overall, the painting portrays the positivity and hopefulness that children inspire in us.
16x20inches
Oil on Canvas
2014
Hopeful is a piece that captures the essence of a child's life. The vibrant color palette symbolizes the innocence, joy, and optimism that children often embody. The use of bright and warm colors represents the energy and enthusiasm that children bring to the world. It's like a visual representation of the excitement and wonder that children experience in their everyday lives. The blue eyes in the painting could symbolize curiosity and a sense of wonder, as blue is often associated with depth and introspection. Overall, the painting portrays the positivity and hopefulness that children inspire in us.
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