One exhibition organised beyond the confines of tradition. One of Africa’s master artists, David Dale, stood up to look for the naive Adeola Balogun just to have a handshake. This act indeed speak volume of more to come. Writes Ireho Aito in Lagos

How dare we dare setting sail for such a trip to Apapa ports on a Saturday? We started meeting minds as if we took the right decision to drive through Apapa. The sight of heavy – duty trucks created a trepid stare on our faces. But we scarily laugh about it despite being afraid of what to expect. We bravely broke the confinement of fear which is not meant for man, according to Africa’s greatest musical export, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Adeola Balogun and Nurudeen Popoola had one of the most talked about art exhibitions in Lagos, Nigeria. Stretching beyond the confines of popular ivy – league neighbourhoods where nouvre riche easily walk in and look around artworks to pick. A culture they have been used to. But this time, passionate art enthusiasts and collectors had to get down to the one of the busiest ports in Africa as if they arè on a seafaring expeditions, well to see what they dream of seeing. Aside the private viewing, they also turned out on the main day. March 23rd and 24th would remain landmark days in the hearts of many that thronged to see the teacher and his student in a two – man exhibition.

Adeola Balogun has a renowned personality already. He is becoming a pantheon so fast and admiringly stunning in delivery. He is sought after globally and equally an experimentalist who quest for more knowledge. Adeola Balogun is sublime. He refused to be caught off guard and why he keeps investing artistic knowledge which has helped the artpreneur side of his voyage. He recalled his United Arab Emirates residency that he almost missed by the whiskers. “When I received the invite on my mail, I was sceptical because of the notoriety associated with such mails – scams and scammers. I refused to acknowledge the mail, until two weeks to the expiration of the invitation, he reacted with smiles on his face. “I replied by asking who is footing the bill and immediately I got a response that they are handling everything. I only need to acknowledge if I have passport and they will take care of the remaining traveling modalities. I became calm and looked forward to it, he reminisced. The UAE residency was a beautiful experience for me. We were required to provide four works each according to our facilitators, I did the unthinkable as I supplied more than enough, he recalled. Adeola Balogun created close to 16 artworks and materials. Yet, everywhere he goes and always, he says his best is yet to come. He feels challenged after each work as he is his number one critique. A performer extraordinaire!

When I received the invite on my mail, I was sceptical because of the notoriety associated with such mails – scams and scammers. I refused to acknowledge the mail, until two weeks to the expiration of the invitation,

Technology breeze in totally since the beginning of the new millennium. And a lot has been churned out in global space today. The revolution is everywhere. A space we keep catching up in. Driving into Qgallery with Adeola Balogun was so stunning amid tankers and dockyards. The gallery overlooking the sea itself with a stunning sunset reflections. Witnessing the attractive hues of the ports from Qgallery creates an interesting backdrop for the gallery.

While sounds of sea splashes bring succour to your soul, sculptures mounted artistically by Adeola Balogun and paintings of Nurudeen Popoola coincidentally weŕe inspired by marine life and coastal adventures. The art appreciation of Off Confines at Qgallery is indeed massive. Listening to the soothing sound of emanating from the seaport, glide gracefully by releasing harmonious soundtrack to Off Confines!

At Off Confines exhibition, Adeola Balogun exhibited 10 sculptural artpieces and five paintings. The former Head of Department of Sculpture keeps his head up for the tasks ahead of him. “The COVID- 19 marred a bit of term as departmental head. My term ended in 2023. Yet, as an artist, it was one of the most productive period of my career life. Towards the end of COVID, I was prepared for two shows. I exhibited one at Signature Gallery at Ikoyi, but couldn’t do the CCA edition because of their internal restructuring. At present, ArtMiabo2024 is here and more are on the way.”

From his illustrious exhibited works at Off Confines, technology played a key role for an experimental artist who has come out to be the best of his time. “For anything you produce, part of yourself is in it. Artists do have different ways of communicating with their work. Some artists are enchanters. I summon God to guide my process. The materials have their own souls,” he concluded.

In an era defined by technological revolution, Adeola Balogun seamlessly integrates innovation into his artistic repertoire. From electronic circuit boards to recycled materials, each creation is imbued with a soulful narrative, inviting viewers to ponder the intersection of humanity and technology.

Leaning on technologies and their incursion into art space, the teacher advises his students and mentees to always be prepared. And while technology and advent of social media have broken the barrier of waiting to get acknowledged, getting your eyes on the game is important for up and coming artist, he opined.

The art direction is as important as important as any exhibition. It brings relationships between the artist and admirers. It promotes the attention needed for artpieces to be appreciated. Okie Ogene Gabriel, a beautiful staff of Qgallery came and opened the gallery for us and what a spectacle to see. The experimentation on electronic circuit boards and compact discs, surely explained Adeola Balogun’s line of thought. They are thoroughbred process and well executed. Who could have imagined where we are years ago and where we are today could be transformed into a collector’s items pick? So curiously defined by Balogun and mostly enjoyed by standing with attention to detail to admire each exhibited work.

“What I saw yesterday maybe different from what I see today. You cannot do repetition except it’s a work of print.”

What I saw yesterday maybe different from what I see today. You cannot do repetition except it’s a work of print.”

For every onlooker, some of the series look the same but they are not. “I experimented on electronic circuit board to create the age we found ourselves today. We are in information technology age and innovations keep flying on our faces,” Balogun muses. One of the series is entitled ‘Rare Species’ Adeola Balogun had to reach out to friends for more compact discs to work with and he got more to work on. It is so exciting to see the works done on electronic panels communicating the enthusiasts. More interesting to see is the red tags on most of the works, showing they have been bought by collectors.
The exhibition created a new pattern of exhibition culture by coming to the port where you have a lot of goldmines. The Lagos port is one of the busiest seaports in Africa with businesses running into billions of dollars. The goldmines are huge likewise the landmines. But the lighthouse views the exhibition generated cannot be undermined. There was a touch of maritime nostalgia with art – viewing experience.

The Apapa ports in Lagos, Nigeria, boast several positive aspects that contribute to their significance in regional trade and commerce. Firstly, they serve as vital gateways for imports and exports, facilitating international trade and fostering economic growth.

Additionally, the ports generate employment opportunities, supporting livelihoods for numerous individuals and families in the surrounding areas. Moreover, their strategic location provides easy access to major transportation networks, enhancing efficiency and connectivity for businesses.

However, the Apapa ports also face numerous challenges that detract from their efficiency and functionality. One prominent issue is congestion, resulting from inadequate infrastructure, inefficient operations, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. This congestion leads to delays in cargo clearance and transportation, causing significant losses for businesses and exacerbating traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.
Furthermore, the ports are plagued by issues of corruption and security concerns, which undermine transparency and deter investment. These challenges collectively impede the ports’ ability to fully capitalize on their potential as key drivers of economic development in Nigeria.

“When the curator, Moses Ohiomokhare approached me about a two – man exhibition, I picked interest and at the same time looking at the appraisal angle of where I am coming from.

When the curator, Moses Ohiomokhare approached me about a two – man exhibition, I picked interest and at the same time looking at the appraisal angle of where I am coming from.

Moses Ohiomokhare told me about Nurudeen’s works and the guy is really exploding. I did more research and I was elated. Then, the venue was a new anchor to dock.

‘Landmines and Goldmines’ another series of work created by mercurial Adeola Balogun took the whole seaport experience to seagull serenade. The computer age and the good, the bad and ugly side are now in perspectives. They are indeed goldmines but at the same time landmines that about to explode. “ How do we handle technology in Africa? Are we making gains or creating pains with what we are generating? Each work from the series seems to be asking that salient question? A lot of money is coming from our computer gadgets. It is the age. The goldmines abound in technology. But from another perspectives, the artist want us to take caution and look inwards at the negatives and how to create control measures to have better lives.

How do we handle technology in Africa? Are we making gains or creating pains with what we are generating?

Transmogrification experience from Adeola Balogun is a spiritual feeling. Art is spiritual, the artist maintains. You keep transmogrifies as an artist who is currently on motion. Just like Ernest Hemingway definition of the city of Paris – a moveable feast. It moves with you. Adeola Balogun’s resilience was glaring at the exhibition. Admiring ‘Multitasking’ a work done to celebrate the women and how productive they are to us. “Women are special beings. They can do so many things at the same time. Breastfeeding a child, cooking in the kitchen and the same time, working or typing on the computers. They deserved to be celebrated.

What he gave us at Off Confines goes beyond a day journey. In fact, his journey is a movement that deserves documentation.
While still relishing the Off Confines exhibition by Adeola Balogun and Nurudeen Popoola at Qgallery, the stock market was visible at the port. A game changer in maritime businesses. It brings ‘Memorable Lines’ so bullish to our hearts. Adeola Balogun explored the trend in the capital market among the rich and the powerful. It is simply the rise and fall in stock market. Whenever the market rises, then it is bullish and when the market drops, it is bearish. Recycling tyres to create a bull artpiece is genius – admiration of Adeola Balogun. A pedigree so high enough that demand a special recognition at ArtMiabo International Art Festival 2024.

Oki Oghene Gabriel, the staff at Qgallery remarks are worth noting; “we are still basking in the euphoria of such exhibition. The outcomes seriously outnumbered our expectations. We are glad and grateful to host one auspicious moment that will be remembered in years to come.”

we are still basking in the euphoria of such exhibition. The outcomes seriously outnumbered our expectations. We are glad and grateful to host one auspicious moment that will be remembered in years to come.”

As the echoes of Off Confines reverberate through the corridors of artistic history, one thing remains certain: Adeola Balogun and Nurudeen Popoola have etched their names in the annals of creative brilliance. With each stroke of the brush and sculpted form, they beckon us to explore the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.

Off Confines created rhythm of the mind and pillars of joy for those who visited.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!