As we drive towards Qgallery in Apapa, Adeola Balogun in a conversation, continues to share more insights into his artistic sojourn so far. He is going to be honoured at ArtMiabo 2024 entiled Sculptors Odyssey in April. The drive is a resounding Soundspiration.

Words Ireho Aito

Lagos is really a city worth driving through. It is a city of cities. It just doesn’t sleep neither slumber, instead the city keeps moving and one with an attractive culture on soulful expression. Sounds and sights of Lagos can be captivating while driving through it as I eventually did with Adeola Balogun. This drive as smooth as it is, is a sound experience on Balogun’s Soundspiration!

Duke Asidere, a renowned painter, once famously remarked that Lagos is Nigeria in microcosm, holding the entire country within its grasp. This sentiment speaks to the immense influence and significance of Lagos as a hub of Nigerian life.

Balogun’s artistic prowess extends beyond mere aesthetics; it intertwines with the very fabric of an average Lagosian urban culture. His commissioned sculptural works have left an indelible mark on the cityscape, injecting bursts of color and vitality into its streets. Through his art, Balogun contributes to Lagos’ ongoing urban renewal movement, breathing new life into neglected spaces and transforming them into vibrant showcases of creativity. “My approach to art is almost scientific,” he reflects, “offering an experimented dimension for art enthusiasts to explore and digest.”

“My creative process is deeply influenced by my environment,” Balogun explains, ” I draw inspiration from the sights and sounds of my environment.” His choice of materials, ranging from biodegradables to recycled objects, reflects a commitment to sustainability and a desire to tell stories through his art. Each of his exhibitions is a testament to his dedication to environmental consciousness and his belief in the potential of discarded materials. “One of my exhibitions, ‘Soundspiration,’ in 2013 at Omenka gallery in Ikoyi, showcased my ability to breathe life into seemingly mundane objects,” Balogun recalls with pride. By repurposing recycled rubber tires and metal scraps, he created sculptures that not only captivated audiences but also served as a reminder of the beauty inherent in everyday materials. Through his art, Balogun challenges perceptions of waste and highlights the potential for renewal and regeneration. He experimentally took art connoisseurs, afficionados, enthusiasts to another level of appreciating experimentation. The catalogue cover had ‘Without Wings’ done in 2012 using used tyre, violin and steel to construct. What a high note on Soundspiration! While ‘Without Wings II’ was constructed on woven, shredded tyres, mild steel, glass fibre, bronze and violin. So incredible to see and enjoy the posture of the sculptural pieces from a maverick sculptor!

Adeola Balogun’s contributions to the art world will be celebrated at the upcoming ArtMiabo International Art Festival, entitled ‘Sculptors Odyssey’ commencing on the 29th of April 2024. Alongside the esteemed Professor Ben Enwonwu, who is being honored posthumously, Balogun will be recognized for his outstanding achievements in the field of art. Additionally, artists like Dotun Popoola, known for his maverick presence in the sculptural realm, will also be honored at the festival.

ArtMiabo2024, set to take place at Ebony Life Place on the Island of Lagos, promises to be a distinctive experience unlike any other art festival. The convergence of sound and sculpture will be the focal point, with music spanning various genres adding a soulful dimension to the artistic showcase. This fusion of auditory and visual artistry is poised to create an immersive and captivating experience for attendees.

“I received the invitation out of the blues. I was not expecting it. Although, I have participated at the earliest editions of ArtMiabo and it has been so impactful. Last year’s edition was remarkable as it coincided with the sage of art himself, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya’s 90th birthday anniversary. A very colourful festival to remember. If you notice from this year’s edition, it is designed to celebrate the sculptors and this is a big honour. Sculptors.Association of Nigeria are also playing a big role in this year’s edition. And I am looking forward to it.”

As Lagos undergoes rapid transformation, with infrastructure projects reshaping the city’s landscape,” Balogun acknowledges, “some of my commissioned sculptures may have been temporarily displaced due to road rehabilitation efforts.” Yet, their presence continues to resonate with Lagosians, serving as symbols of resilience and creativity in the face of change. ‘I am in good relationship with the state and seek for advice time to time on the management of the works from me. I have been approached to revive some of the works mounted for Lagos at 50 celebration but I declined, explaining how unprofessional it would look like for me to revive the monumental efforts of fellow artists. They need to be contacted. Some.of them are nomore in the country but they can be approached.

To be continued…

Words by Ireho Aito/ Images/ Adeola Balogun’s archives