The rich and vibrant culture of Yoruba art is inspiring academics and students in Brazil, as they explore the works of renowned Nigerian artist, Adeyinka Olaiya. An exhibition of his art was recently inaugurated in Sao Paulo, where visitors were treated to a stunning display of Olaiya’s creations, which draw heavily from the Yoruba tradition.
The exhibition, titled “Aláşekù – Ancestral choes “, is on display at the Museum of Modern Art , Centro Cultural Casa de Angola in Sao Paulo and featured over 20 pieces of Olaiya’s art. The exhibition was curated by an academic, Prof. Izidoro who has been studying Yoruba culture for many years.
According to Prof. Izidoro, Yoruba art is unique and has a profound impact on people who come into contact with it. “Yoruba art is characterized by its bold colors, intricate patterns, and powerful symbolism,” he explained. “It tells stories of the Yoruba people, their beliefs, and their way of life. It is a rich and complex culture that is still very much alive today.”
The Art exhibition received students and academics from various secondary schools and universities in Brazil, they were eager to learn more about Yoruba art and culture.
Many of the students said they have never seen an exhibition of in-depth Yoruba art and divinity before, they were perplexed by the beauty and power of Olaiya’s sacred paintings and explanations
“I was amazed by the intricate details and patterns in the art,” said Prof Izidoro . “It’s incredible to see how much meaning and symbolism is contained in each piece. I feel like I’ve learned so much about Yoruba culture just by looking at these works of art.”
For many of the academics in attendance, the exhibition was an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Yoruba culture and explore its connections to Brazilian culture. “The Yoruba people have had a significant influence on Brazilian culture, particularly in the areas of religion, music, and dance,” said Prof. Izidoro . “This exhibition has given us a chance to explore those connections in more detail and gain a deeper appreciation for Yoruba art.”
The exhibition also featured a series of lectures , where visitors could learn more about Yoruba art and culture. These sessions were led by the artist , Adeyinka Olaiya who also is a writer of Yoruba Arts and Divinity , Olaiya shared his knowledge and insights with the audience.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was a talk by Adeyinka Olaiya himself, who spoke about his inspiration and creative process. Olaiya, who was born and raised in Lagos , said that Yoruba culture has always been a source of inspiration for him. “The Yoruba people have a deep respect for art and creativity,” he said. “It is part of our heritage and our way of life. I am honored to be able to share that heritage with people in Brazil and around the world.”
The opening ceremony was a resounding success, with visitors expressing their appreciation for the beauty and richness of Yoruba art. For many, it was an eye-opening experience that opened their minds to a new culture and a new way of seeing the world.
“I feel like I’ve been transported to another world,” said visitor Maria Santos. PHD . The art is so powerful and evocative. It makes me want to learn more about Yoruba culture and explore its connections to Brazil.”
As the exhibition receives art lovers , academics and visitors daily , the organizers hope it would inspire more people to learn about Yoruba culture and appreciate its contributions to the world of art and culture.
“We believe that Yoruba art has a universal appeal,” said Maria da Silva. “It speaks to people of all backgrounds and cultures, and it has the power to inspire and transform. We hope that this exhibition will be the start of a new dialogue between Brazil and Africa .
Adeyinka Olaiya is a Nigerian artist known for his unique approach to painting and mixed media. His artwork has gained international recognition for its portrayal of African culture and its deep spiritual themes.
On May 5th , 2023 , the Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil , Prof. Mohammad Makarfi inaugurated Adeyinka Olaiya’s art exhibition of paintings and mixed media in Brazil, which showcased some of his most sacred and significant works.
A Yoruba artist , the most striking elements of Olaiya’s artwork is his use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. In his exhibition in Brazil, he incorporated these elements into a variety of different forms, from large-scale paintings to smaller mixed media pieces. The result was a collection of artwork that are both visually stunning and emotionally powerful.
One of the most notable pieces in the exhibition was a painting titled “The Ancestors’ Call.” This painting depicts a group of ancestors calling out to their descendants from the spirit realm. The use of bright, bold colors and intricate patterns gives the painting a sense of energy and movement, as if the ancestors are reaching out from the canvas to connect with the viewer. The painting is also infused with a deep sense of spirituality and reverence for the ancestors, which is a recurring theme throughout Olaiya’s work.
Another significant piece in the exhibition was a mixed media piece titled “Orunmila-Ifa ” This piece incorporates a variety of different materials, including fabric, beads, and other found objects, to create a striking and intricate image of a traditional African oracle. The use of these materials adds depth and texture to the piece, giving it a tactile quality that draws the viewer in. The image of the oracle is also infused with symbolism, including the use of animal motifs and the incorporation of traditional African patterns and designs.
Many of Olaiya’s pieces in the exhibition also incorporate elements of nature, including fabrics and cowries . One particularly striking painting, titled “Iyamí” features a vibrant abstract of feathers with trees and its roots extending deep into the ground. The use of bright colors and bold patterns gives the painting a sense of vitality and energy, while the image of the birds in abstract and tree represents the interconnectedness of all living things and powers of women in the Yoruba Divinity
In addition to his use of color and pattern, Olaiya’s artwork is also notable for its use of symbolism and metaphor. Many of his pieces incorporate traditional African motifs and designs, which carry deep cultural significance. For example, the use of animal motifs, such as the leopard or the elephant, represents strength, power, and wisdom. Similarly, the use of certain colors, such as red or black, can symbolize different emotions or spiritual concepts.
Adeyinka Olaiya’s exhibition of paintings and mixed media in Brazil is a testament to his unique vision as an artist. His work incorporates elements of African culture, spirituality, and nature, creating a body of artwork that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. Through his use of color, pattern, symbolism, and metaphor, Olaiya invites the viewer to connect with his artwork on a deep and meaningful level.
