A talented creative artist, based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs Olamide Ayomipo Adesola, who is popularly known as AYO’LAMIDE, has called for the need to highlight the experiences of Black women, recognizing the importance of amplifying their voices and celebrating their resilience for the purpose of empowering them.
Ayo’Lamide, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who made the submission over the weekend, during a media chat, noted that most of her works center on figurative expressions that reflect environmental beliefs and cultural ties to the Black race.
While saying her artistic practice is deeply rooted in personal experiences, she noted that she uses her creativity through arts to connect with a broad audience, particularly women.
She maintained further that, through her work, she tries to shed light on the often overlooked sacrifices of Black women, seeking to challenge unjust societal norms and spark conversations about their struggles and pain.
“I try to achieve this through striking use of vibrant colour palette and a conscious choice of a deep rooted sense of subject matter. Ultimately, my intention is to inspire viewers to advocate for positive change and challenge outdated socio-cultural beliefs.
“Over the years, I have exhibited my art both domestically and internationally, contributing to ongoing dialogues surrounding identity, gender, and social justice.”
Olamide, despite sustaining spine injury as a result of an accident in the year 2014 when she was undergoing her National Youth Service programme, expressed that she did not allow the circumstance overwhelm her as a woman.
“I got back on my feet in 2015 and went back to doing what I know how to do best.” She stated.
She was employed into the Oyo State Civil Service as a Cultural Officer II, Visual Arts Department in the year 2016.
Owing to her brilliant artistic work, Olamide, who had attended several exhibitions and National and local art festivals was, at a time, commissioned to produce Art works, which were presented to Oyo State Executive Council Members.
While saying that her daddy discovered her artistic skill when she was a little child, she said she was very keen on passing art knowledge to others, as well as always willing to teach those who have interest in work of arts.
“I am an artist (painter), whose works center on figurative expressions that reflect my environmental beliefs and cultural ties to the Black race. Utilizing naturalistic elements with a hint of exaggeration, my artworks serve as creative reflections of these themes.
“I am particularly drawn to highlighting the experiences of Black women, recognizing the importance of amplifying their voices and celebrating their resilience for the purpose of empowering them. By capturing nuanced facial expressions, I invite viewers to empathize with the inner world of the subjects, fostering a deeper understanding of the narratives I aim to convey.
“My preferred mediums of expression are oil and acrylic paint, as they offer the versatility and depth necessary to bring my artistic visions to life,” Olamide said.
