Artist in Focus: Olasunkanmi Oyelusi
Olasunkanmi Oyelusi is a Nigerian artist whose unique blend of figuration and abstraction invites viewers into a vibrant and emotionally rich world. With a professional degree in Fine Art from Auchi Polytechnic (Nigeria), his journey through the art world has been marked by distinctive stylistic evolutions and notable achievements. Olasunkanmi’s artistic narrative is deeply personal yet universally relatable, touching on social and personal concerns through his dynamic use of color, words, and markings.
A Dance Between Figuration and Abstraction
Olasunkanmi’s work is characterized by a delicate balance between figuration and abstraction. He explains, “To balance them, I tend to use imagined figures, making them not fully visible within the abstract elements.” This approach makes his art both intriguing and accessible. His use of unusual colors further enhances this balance, making his works stand out as unique and original. The vibrant hues are essential in conveying his narratives and ensuring his pieces remain singular.
Heart of Champion (2024), 99x99 cm, mixed media.
Embracing and Transforming Basquiat’s Legacy
The influence of Jean-Michel Basquiat is evident in Olasunkanmi’s use of words and markings. “Basquiat’s form of painting makes his works stand out among millions of art collections, which influenced me to create a niche where my artwork is original and visible,” he shares. By incorporating elements like realism, lines, charcoal, and flowers, Olasunkanmi differentiates his style while maintaining a nod to Basquiat’s impactful legacy. His experimentation with different mediums, combining various materials with acrylic paint, allows him to achieve the precise image he envisions. “The inspiration to use different mediums with acrylic paint comes from a desire to make my artworks hard to imitate and to showcase principles of drawing,” he explains.
Sexy Lady in Town (2023), 90x120cm, mixed media.
Foundations and Milestones
Olasunkanmi’s early exposure to Fine and Applied art laid a strong foundation for his evolving work style. His studies at Auchi Polytechnic introduced him to abstract art, complementing his initial training in realism. This blend of influences has been crucial in developing his unique approach to proportions, color use, and expression. His role as a gallery anchor at an international art gallery in Lagos was pivotal, allowing him to refine his aesthetic and interact with a diverse array of artworks and artists.
For Olasunkanmi, success is measured by the ability to create art that truly reflects his vision. He also considers international recognition and the sale of his works at the international level including the U.S. as markers of success. “My advice to emerging artists is to create a niche, avoid copying others' works, but study great artists to carve out a unique and original style. Stay persistent and keep painting despite discouragement,” he emphasizes.
Symbolism and Themes
Olasunkanmi’s artwork often addresses social and personal concerns, such as personal struggles, lifestyles, urban life, and politics. A recurring motif in his work is the one-eyed character, symbolizing the theme of personal struggles and the enduring hope for happiness despite adversity. “The one-eyed character represents the theme of personal struggles, encapsulated in the statement, 'There will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.' It symbolizes a person who has gone through numerous challenges but still holds on to hope for happiness, even if it's a small glimmer,” he explains.
Memory 1, 89x122cm, mixed media.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Evolution
Reflecting on his career, Olasunkanmi considers his most significant achievement to be the creation of a unique signature style. “My most significant achievements include creating a unique signature and carving out a niche for myself. This has given me a solid standing in the art community and boosted my confidence to participate in major events,” he shares. Looking to the future, he hopes to leave a legacy that demonstrates the value of hard work and originality. He envisions his work continuing to evolve, reflecting his principles and the dynamic nature of his artistic journey.
Olasunkanmi Oyelusi’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and profound emotional awareness. His ability to channel the emotions of those around him into his art creates pieces that resonate on a deeper level. As he continues to explore new themes and techniques, his work promises to remain a vibrant and significant part of the contemporary art scene.
