Idris Oderinde
Art lovers, collectors, and industry stakeholders converged in lagos to celebrate renowned visual artist, Damola Adepoju, as he marked his 50th birthday with the launch of his new book, Damola Adepoju: A Journey Through the Furnace of Creativity, alongside a solo exhibition.
The event, which brought together prominent figures in the Nigerian art scene, featured glowing tributes to the artist’s three-decade-long career and his commitment to documenting visual history
Speaking at the presentation, held on Friday at Mydrim gallery, ikoyi,art aficionado Mrs. Modupe Ogunlesi commended Adepoju for taking the time to write his memoir, urging other visual artists to cultivate the habit of documenting their works and personal journeys to enhance their visibility and preserve their legacies.
Reinforcing the importance of literary documentation in visual arts, veteran painter Joe Essien described the memoir as a milestone for Nigerian art history, comparing its long-term value to international art publications.
"Art goes beyond the star work itself, which may be bought and taken away by collectors. Owning a book like this gives art lovers an opportunity to own a piece of Damola Adepoju and his creative asset. It is a wake-up call for visual artists to document their journey for posterity. Today, we have books on Rembrandt and Van Gogh; now we have a book on Damola Adepoju," Essien noted.
Representative of the Nike Art Gallery, Caroline Thomas-David, congratulated the artist on the double celebration and expressed delight at being part of the landmark occasion. Also present to felicitate with the artist were the Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Prince Olojo, and notable art collector Kunle Akinkugbe, alongside fellow creatives and enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the motivation behind the publication, Adepoju explained that the book documents his 30-year creative journey since 2005, capturing the personal and professional hurdles he overcame.
" match the title A Journey Through the Furnace of Creativity, the 'furnace' represents the bottlenecks and challenges every artist faces. It is not always rosy at the beginning, but with determination, one passes through it. There is always light at the end of the tunnel," Adepoju said.
He further highlighted how his distinct style—incorporating newspaper prints to reflect the life, history, and struggles of Lagos Island—is embedded in the book’s narrative, offering buyers and enthusiasts a deeper look into the storytelling behind his canvas works.
Admitting that he would likely have pursued a career in banking had he not found art, the celebrated painter advised upcoming Nigerian artists to remain consistent, driven, and focused on their vision.
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