Biodun Omolayo Gallery opens the door for a group exhibition of four unique personalities that continue to paint colours of beauty personified for us to celebrate. Writes Ireho Aito

Nigeria, often portrayed through the lens of adversity, is a land of contrasts where beauty thrives amidst challenges. As the sun rises over the streets of Lagos or sets against the serene backdrop of Jos Plateau, it paints a canvas of breathtaking landscapes that inspire awe. Yet, beyond the picturesque vistas, the true beauty of Nigeria lies in its people and their resilient spirit.

At Biodun Omolayo Gallery, a new body of work will be exhibited on Friday, 31st of May, 2024, by the foursome, brilliant and dedicated painters, each with mercurial and admirable presence, they have given us colourful appreciation of our lives and nature over the years. The four artists revel in beauty themselves, as they advised Nigerians to appreciate beauties around them. Biodun Omolayo, Jethro Otubo, Seyi Ajayi and Adeyemi Uthman know this right time to use strokes of colours to campaign for one love and unity among Nigerians.

The four artists showcasing their works in a group exhibition, on Friday, are in one one spirit which is celebrated through colourful, art—bold strokes of paint on canvas that capture the essence of Nigerian life. From the cultural milieu seen on the Palace Ground to the skilled hands and attention span of the Hairdresser III, each stroke tells a story of resilience, community, and hope. As visitors step into the gallery, they will be welcomed not only by the vibrant colors of the paintings but also by the warmth of Nigerian hospitality. The curator Biodun Omolayo who is also participating in the exhibition, explain the inspiration behind the theme of Beauties Around Us to iBAND Magazine, “the theme of “Beauties Around Us” stems from a desire to shift people’s focus away from the prevailing economic challenges and security concerns in Nigeria. We want to remind viewers that amidst adversity, there is still abundant beauty to be found in our country,” he remarks.

the theme of “Beauties Around Us” stems from a desire to shift people’s focus away from the prevailing economic challenges and security concerns in Nigeria

The upcoming group exhibition, “Beauties Around Us,” is a testament to the beauty that surrounds us, even in the midst of adversity. Through the eyes of Nigerian artists, viewers are invited to explore the nuances of everyday life—the laughter of children playing in the streets, the rhythm of traditional music echoing through villages, the vibrant colors of traditional attire adorning dancers during festivals.

In a world where headlines often focus on Nigeria’s challenges, this exhibition serves as a reminder that beauty is not just a luxury but a necessity. It is a source of inspiration, a catalyst for change, and a reflection of the human spirit’s indomitable nature. As visitors immerse themselves in the artwork, they are encouraged to see beyond the surface and discover the beauty that lies within every corner of Nigeria. Biodun Omolayo posited further about the individuals behind the exhibition and their unique creative minds; “Seyi Ajayi’s vibrant colourist works reflect our tradition, culture, and ways of life. Adeyemi Uthman, a monochromatic visual artist, documents the business and social environment with black, grey, and white hues. Jethro Utobo uses bold lines and colours to express his dancers and celebrators, while Biodun Omolayo showcases refreshing and serene landscapes, calling attention to our vegetation, streams, sky, and sunsets,” he reveals. So impressive to know about their different perspectives, according to the curator, the four awesome artists bring their unique perspectives and techniques that complement each other, ranging from vibrant colors reflecting tradition to monochromatic documentation of the social environment, bold lines expressing celebrations, and serene landscapes capturing the beauty around us.

Beauty about a beloved country such as Nigeria has been transported inside Biodun Omolayo Gallery within an environment where the firmament of independence was laid in 1960. Beauty Around Us is woven into the fabric of everyday life—the laughter of friends sharing a meal, the resilience of entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of the market, the harmony of diverse cultures coexisting in bustling cities. It is in the communal spirit of the villages, where neighbors come together to celebrate weddings, births, and harvests, sharing joy and hardships alike. Biodun Omolayo has been running a busy template for decades and his experience on this exhibition has been displayed through attention to detail in curating the works for exhibition. After working back to back curating series of exhibition since last year with “The Storm is Over” “Everyday is a Milestone” “AffectionArt and “Inspired Eves” exhibitions, the last two for Erelu Yeye Odua Cultural Renaissance Center, the indefatigable gallery owner has left no stone unturned but to come out with the beauty of Nigeria this Friday through quality works from the four artists. He also affirms in his commitment to what he believes in, as this exhibition reflect upon the previous exhibitions curated and held by Biodun Omolayo and Biodun Omolayo Gallery, he maintains, “it is a continuity of the previous messages of encouragement and hope; such as “The Storm Is Over!” and “Every Day Is A Milestone” held in March this year, and other related exhibitions.”

it is a continuity of the previous messages of encouragement and hope; such as “The Storm Is Over!” and “Every Day Is A Milestone

As Biodun Omolayo Gallery prepares to usher in the “Beauties Around Us” exhibition, it does so with a sense of pride and purpose. For in showcasing the beauty of Nigeria, it also shines a light on the resilience, creativity, and humanity of its people. Through art, we are reminded that beauty has the power to transcend borders, unite communities, and inspire change. The curator opines further, “we hope visitors will take away a message of hope, renewed hope, and encouragement to keep moving on against all odds, knowing that tough times never last, but tough people do creatively.”

we hope visitors will take away a message of hope, renewed hope, and encouragement to keep moving on against all odds,

As the sun sets on Friday, May 31st, 2024, and guests gather at Biodun Omolayo Gallery for the opening of the exhibition, they are greeted not only by the artwork adorning the walls but by the spirit of Nigeria itself. It is a celebration of beauty amidst adversity, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation that refuses to be defined by its challenges. And when visitors mingle and admire the artwork, they are reminded that beauty is not just something to be observed but something to be embraced, nurtured, and shared. In the words of Biodun Omolayo himself, “In every stroke of paint, in every note of music, in every laugh and every tear, there is beauty to be found. It is up to us to open our eyes and our hearts to see it.”

In every stroke of paint, in every note of music, in every laugh and every tear, there is beauty to be found. It is up to us to open our eyes and our hearts to see it.”

. And as they step back out into the world, they carry with them the belief that no matter how dark the night may seem, beauty will always find a way to shine through.

Beauties Around Us exhibition opens on Friday, 31st of May 2024 at Biodun Omolayo Gallery, Onikan, Lagos at 4pm

Words Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/ Pictures/ Biodun Omolayo Gallery