"Born in 1988, and hailing from the inner streets of South Ibadan, Nigeria, Omofemi's humble beginnings and steep ascent to the pinnacle of the contemporary African art scene is nothing short of inspirational. Readily identified by his neighbours and community as a promising artist from his early childhood, Omofemi would later use the proceeds he would gain from hawking beer, as part of the every day grind of living in Ibadan, to buy sketch books and art materials to facilitate and incubate his passion.
However, it wasn't the hustle and bustle of life in the vibrant Ibadan metropolis nor the early signs of his natural gift for creativity and art that would inform what would later make Omofemi one of the most serious and influential artists of his generation. That great honour and tribute is owed to his grandfather, whom Omofemi was deeply fond of, and influenced by. It was his grandfather's wisdom and guidance that impressed upon the young artist the importance of the preservation of culture, heritage and ancient customs, and instilled in the artist an appreciation for self love, pride, and determination, which today he captures and translates on his canvas through his endearing and masterful portraits.
Indeed, Omofemi's work has always elevated his subjects, most of whom are either friends and relatives of his, or strangers he encounters. Pride, self esteem, authenticity, and heritage, are all key, recurring motifs that weave together the entirety of his oeuvre, often manifested in his honorific, striking portraits of independent black women, crowned either with halo-esque afros, cornrow braids, or completely bald, 'sakora' hairstyles, indigenous to, and ubiquitous amongst his fellow compatriots, and dating back a millennia."
Raphael Dapaah, Art writer & OOA Gallery Art Consultant
"Thrue liberty for the black women is to encourage them to take the leadership"
Oluwole Omofemi
Address OOA Gallery
Carrer Nou 1 - 08870 Sitges, Barcelona - Spain
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