Artist in Focus: Dr. John Oyedemi, Power and Tradition in Nigerian Art
Imagine standing before a canvas vibrant with a golden palette, where horsemen adorned in richly colored garments burst forth with life. This is the world of Dr. John Oyedemi, the Nigerian contemporary artist renowned for vividly depicting 'Padanci,' a symbol of wealth and authority in North Nigerian Hausa culture. Dr. Oyedemi revitalizes the Durbar festival, which is more than 500 years old and is in traditional Northern Nigeria, through his passion and contemporary interpretations. Established in Hausa land in the late 14th century, the Durbar demonstrated military prowess and skills before warfare. Today, it is celebrated during Eid El Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid El Kebir, continuing its rich legacy.
John creates an immersive experience that transports you to the festival's heart. His contemporary interpretation and unique approach to capturing fleeting moments and blending traditional themes with modern artistic expression make his work breathtaking.
About
Born in 1966 in Southwest Nigeria, Dr. John Oyedemi is an artist and educator based in Bukuru. His artistic journey, spanning over 25 years, began with his graduation from the Department of Fine Arts at the renowned Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Today, he lectures at the University of Jos, inspiring a new generation of artists.
Technique & Style
Dr. John Oyedemi masterfully combines impasto - a technique where the paint is applied thickly enough that the brush or painting knife stroke is visible, as illustrated in "Royal Outing" - and impressionistic techniques to create artworks that burst with texture and depth, bringing every scene to life with vivid realism. His impasto gives his subjects a tactile, three-dimensional appearance that makes them pop off the canvas. In parallel, Dr. Oyedemi employs impressionistic touches in his brushwork and color selection, capturing the subtle effects of light and fleeting expressions with great sensitivity, as in the "Salah Day (Durbar)" and "The Dawn of a New Day." His palette blends bold primary colors with soft, earthy tones, crafting a visual harmony that enhances his scenes' overall impact, allowing him to portray dynamic interactions with fluidity and delicacy as in "Our Culture in Nobility (Durbar)" piece.
His daily experiences and surroundings inspire Oyedemi's creations. For instance, the vibrant colors of the marketplaces he frequents often find their way into his palette. "My daily experiences from the environment inspired my artistic creations," he shares.
Dr. John Oyedemi, the artist, in his workshop in Jos (Northern Nigeria)
Artistic Journey and Preparing Artist's Next Generation
Reflecting on his time at Zaria Art School, Dr. John Oyedemi acknowledges the profound impact of Zaria's masters, including Duke Asidere's palette knife techniques and Abraham Uyivbisere's paintings, on his work. He was also profoundly influenced by other masters from Zaria, such as Prof. Jerry Buhari, Jari Jacob, and Janjuma Kefas. These mentors inspired and pushed Oyedemi to excel, profoundly shaping his artistic development. "Seeing their work, I was drawn to their mastery and creativity," he recalls.
As an art teacher, Oyedemi emphasizes the importance of proficiency in practice and handling mediums among his students. He aspires to see emerging talents flourish under his tutelage, believing in the power of mentorship to shape the next generation of artists.
