Nurudeen Popoola solo exhibition holds on Saturday 21st December at UloLagos, Lekki. He is the game changer as we are about to witness one more time that we are all blue.

The successful leadership in Lagos has made it possible for the Blue Line – Lagos Rail Mass Transit to soar above the iconic Marina. The sight becomes even more captivating when commuters on the government-supported Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), excitedly peeps from the blue coloured buses to snap pictures of the Blue Line, while many others revel in the excitement of a technologically advanced Lagos.

Truly, the city is now “Blue,” as the rail gracefully glides over the heart of Lagos’ maritime economy.

Aren’t we all a little “blue”?

Young, creatively stylish, and highly admired artist Nurudeen Popoola has carved out a distinctive space for himself, known for his unique exploration of colour, emotion, and storytelling. His latest exhibition, We Are All Blue, promises to be a deeply introspective collection that encourages viewers to reflect on universal themes such as love, growth, and human vulnerability through the lens of the colour blue.

A proud graduate of Yaba College of Technology, Nurudeen honed his craft under the mentorship of masters like Mike Omoighe and Adeola Balogun. With his signature blue aesthetic, Nurudeen emerges as an exciting new artist, offering something fresh and unique just in time for the holiday season.

In an interview with Lagos-based journalist Ireho Aito, Nurudeen shares his insights on why, in a sense, we are all blue.

Ireho: Tell us more about the We Are All Blue exhibition and why you chose this title.

Popoola: We Are All Blue is an invitation to pause and engage. It challenges us to see ourselves mirrored in another’s vulnerability and find beauty in the universality of being. Blue, in this context, is not an absence but a presence—a force that unites us in our search for clarity amidst uncertainty. Through this lens, I reaffirm that to be human is to be part of a shared emotional tapestry, woven together by our individual shades of the color “blue.” The exhibition explores themes of life, love, growth, inspiration, and other universal experiences.

Ireho: What inspired the concept for this exhibition?

Popoola: The inspiration for We Are All Blue comes from my earlier exhibition with my lecturer at Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Adeola Balogun. That experience was a milestone for me and is part of what inspired this current show. In this exhibition, we explore how the color blue influences different aspects of our lives and generates questions about our emotional experiences.

Ireho: Can you discuss the process behind the creation of your pieces, from concept to final execution?

Popoola: The process starts with gathering ideas, which can come to me at various times—when I’m alone, taking a walk, in a discussion with someone, or even when I’m asleep. Once the ideas emerge, I sketch them in my sketchpad. Afterward, I refine them, adding more concepts to make the pieces whole, before transferring them onto the canvas.

Ireho: What medium(s) did you use in your pieces, and what drew you to them for this exhibition?

Popoola: Most of my works are acrylic on canvas, though some are mixed media, where I incorporate fabrics and other materials. For this exhibition, I felt these mediums would effectively communicate with my audience, bringing out the depth and emotion I wanted to express.

Ireho: How many works are you exhibiting?

Popoola : I will be exhibiting 13 works, there are different inspirations behind them, family, goals, relationship, childhood, traditions and social issues.

Ireho: Are there any specific cultural, social, or political themes you are exploring in your work?

Popoola: Yes, I explore a range of themes, including love, marriage, childhood, and the pursuit of goals. These themes are deeply personal but resonate with broader social and cultural experiences.

Ireho: How has your time at Yaba College of Technology influenced your career trajectory?

Popoola: Yaba College of Technology, especially under the guidance of my late lecturer, Dr. Mike Omoighe, has significantly influenced my style of painting. It helped me carve a niche for myself, with the color blue becoming a key communication tool in my art practice.

Ireho: How has technology impacted your artistic career?

Popoola: Technology has transformed my art practice in several ways. It has allowed for new forms of creative expression, increased the accessibility of my works, and changed how my art is perceived and experienced. This exhibition itself is a testament to how technology has enabled me to share my vision with a wider audience.

Ireho: Have you encountered any challenges, particularly in using new media to market your art?

Popoola: Yes, there are challenges. But overall, new media has opened up opportunities for my works to be seen by a global audience. While navigating this landscape has its obstacles, the benefits—especially in terms of visibility—have been immense.

Ireho: What role does your relationship with the gallery play in shaping this exhibition?

Popoola: The gallery has been instrumental in bringing this exhibition to life. Their collaboration has helped shape the presentation of the works, ensuring that the essence of We Are All Blue is clearly communicated. They’ve added significant value to the show, from its curation to its final execution.

Ireho: Are you a full-time studio artist, or do you have other professional pursuits?

Popoola: Yes, I am a full-time studio artist. Art is my passion and my full-time commitment.

Ireho: Who are your visual art heroes, and what inspirations do you draw from them?

Popoola: My heroes span both the old masters and contemporary artists. From Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt Van Rijn to Mike Omoighe, and Edosa Oguigo, I am inspired by their techniques, their interpretation of themes, and their use of color. Each of them has influenced how I approach my work.

Nurudeen Popoola’s We Are All Blue exhibition offers an immersive experience into the artist’s exploration of colour, emotion, and human connection. Through this exhibition, Popoola invites us to reflect on our shared humanity, urging us to find clarity and beauty in the “blues” of our lives. This exhibition comes up

Words/Interview/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger/Photographs/Nurudeen Popoola