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| Birthplace: | Oshogbo, Nigeria, Africa |
| Education: | Niké Centre for Art and Culture, Oshogbo, Nigeria Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM, USA |
| Exhibitions: |
| "The Merging of Two Cultures" at Harwood Art Centre, Albuquerque, NM | 2000 |
| Solo Art Exhibition at South Broadway Cultural Centre, Albuquerque, NM | 2000 |
| "A Merging of Two Cultures" Tulsa, OK | 2000 |
| Solo Exhibition at Cynco Sources Santa Fe, NM | 1999 |
| Commonwealth Institute and Worthing Museum, London, England | 1999 |
| Exhibitions: Gallamaufrey Art Show, Tulsa, Ok | 1998 |
| "Raw" Art Exhibition , Santa Fe, NM | 1998 |
| Facet Art Gallery, Taos, NM | ongoing |
| Private trunk exhibition at Linda Wasco Gallery, Santa Fe, NM | 1997 |
| National Art Council Exhibition, Lagos, Nigeria | 1997 |
| Niké Centre for Art and Culture Exhibition, Oshogbo, Nigeria | 1996 |
| Iwalewa Haus Exhibition, Bayreuth, Germany | 1995 |
| National Art Council Exhibition, Abuja, Nigeria | 1994 |
| Artist's Statement: |
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I was born in Oshogbo, a town in Nigeria, which is known for its art excellence. I am a graduate of the Niké Centre for Arts and Culture, started by internationally recognised textile artist, Niké. Artists, craftsmen, musicians, and dancers from all across Africa and around the World are able to master and pass on the knowledge of the traditional arts, thus insuring the survival of the Yoruba culture. At the Niké School, I studied and graduated with a degree in the indigenious art of batik, reverse applique, mixed-media painting, drumming, and traditional dancing and performance. Unlike most of the young Oshogbo artists, I am not afraid to break with the past to express present day concern. While indebted to the best-known first generation Oshogbo artists for my initial artistic inspiration, I have, over the years, tried to develop a style all my own. Personal experiences, in particular, the opportunity to travel in the United States, have made significant impact on my work. The wisdom from my tradition is so great that elders speak of it through proverbs that one must develop the wisdom to understand. My intent is to bring Africa closer to people in a way that does not have a stigma attached to it. The Africa culture does not have to be something seen in an exotic sense, it is for everyone to share and understand. Through my artwork I hope to help people understand our culture. |