Damola Ayegbayo, an expressionist artist with a demonstrated history of working in the arts and crafts industry.
He obtained his Bachelor’s in Education in Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, from the Department of Fine and Applied Arts where he specialized in painting. His works convey the power of the beauty of black African women, the reality of life and morals through color and black beautiful women faces.
His arts painting are displayed in national and international museums like The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Manhattan, New York City, Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art.
“I am from Osun state, my local government origin is ejigbo local government. I started watching my grandfather when I was young when he used to be a painter, sculptor and ceramist, since then I started having the interest to practice art, in the college days I use to showcase my artistic skills by assisting my colleagues with drawings and paintings from there I proceeded to the university to study art to become a professional artist.”
Speaking on the name of the artist he learnt art from? the artist said: “Over the years i have learnt a lot from iconic and Masters of Arts like Bola Opadiran who made a great impact in my art, also Wale Ajayi who was my art lecturer while in school”
Speaking on When he venture into art? The artist said: “I have been practicing art since I was young, but I started fully immediately i graduated from the school of art 2012”
Speaking on the name his best art.? the artist said: “I have done several artworks but personally I love Celebrate life series 2.”
Speaking on the name of his type of artworks? The artist said “The name of my painting style is called ÀBÈFÉ meaning ( pleaded to be loved) which is my native name. my craft is an expressionism style of art, I use portraits of beautiful black women to speak to society about morals, good behavior, love, and unity. an image of a black beautiful woman always reminds me of how my strong mother trained and brought me up with love and good morals helping me to discover my real self, the concept of using a black woman is a great reference to my loving mother and the role Other women had played in my life, their importance and existence in the world can not be underestimated”.
Speaking on the name of his first artworks? The artist said: “My first series of artworks are, black pride, vision of hope, and culture series”.
Speaking on his challenges as an artist in Nigeria ? The artist said: “Being an artist in Nigeria has not really been an easy journey, a lot of challenges from the environment, the way people see art as irrelevant and as a child’s play, when everything that revolves around them is art, their origin is artistic as Africans and our culture, also art is one for the best and lucrative means to earn a good living. Also growing up in an environment both government and people around are not supporting art as a profession
All these makes it quite difficult and challenging to thrive, but the passion, love and dedication I have for art kept me focused and practicing till date.”
Speaking on Where his artwork can be found? ,the artist said: “Most of my artworks are in private art collections and art galleries nationally and internationally. Places like Iwalewa art gallery logos, AFM gallery USA, Art colony gallery Ibadan, KPMG Nigeria, Saatchi art collections. And in private collections in countries like USA, UK, Poland, Canada, Vietnam, Norway, and lots more.”
Speaking on museum or a monumental place to find his work? The artist said “my artwork is displayed in museums but the major once are Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art , Museum of Modern Art.”
Speaking vacation, the artist said: “Last year I visited Ghana, and I was opportune to visit the first bilingual independent news media organisation in Ghana AfrikPage.com. I was shocked to find out it owned by a young journalist. And the firm is breaking protocol in shortest wavelength they started operations.”
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