Nosakhare Osadolor works with light as he sees it. But, he curiously study the rays creatively to inspire his muse. What a brighter side of life he lives. He is a product of Federal Polytechnic Auchi. Nosakhare enjoys what he does. The reason light brings the reformed process for him.
Ireho Aito writes from Lagos

Among the featured artists at the just concluded Creatìve Tides exhibition, held inside the evergreen National Museum Onikan, Lagos, this December is Nosakhare Osadolor, a prominent figure whose thought-provoking art is set to leave a lasting impression, each contributing unique perspectives that resonate with the theme of Creative Tides.

The exhibition was organised by Art Alliance 51 and curated by Klaranze Okhide. The participating artists include, Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce and Klaranze Okhide, alongside Nosakhare Osadolor, Clara Aden, Asuku Musa, Uchenna Eugene, Ajayi Yetunde, and Akanni Kehinde.

Appearing like an Englishman in Lagos into the National Museum, Nosakhare’s journey to participate in the exhibition was from the same relationship and gathering of like – minds with the same ideas and mission to explore more in the creative world through the ingenious art forum
When asked about how he became part of the Creative Tides exhibition, Nosakhare Osadolor expressed that the opportunity was a natural fit. “Being part of a collective that values innovation and pushing boundaries is something I resonate with deeply,” he said. Like many artists, Osadolor felt an immediate connection to the exhibition’s goals, and was eager to contribute to the broader narrative of creative exploration. His involvement was a seamless process, driven by a shared vision of elevating Nigerian art to new heights.

Being part of a collective that values innovation and pushing boundaries is something I resonate with deeply,”

For Osadolor, inspiration for his work in Creative Tides stems from both personal and societal reflections. He explained, “I wanted to explore the subtle tensions that come with navigating cultural expectations and personal freedoms. My work for this exhibition speaks to the challenge of maintaining one’s authenticity while engaging with external influences.” His pieces, which blend elements of human expressions with symbolic motifs, invite viewers to interpret the intersection of tradition and modernity.

The power of natural lights are a source of inspiration for those constant forces

Light, indeed powerful light that is natural serves as a source of inspiration for a special brand who graduated from the illustrious school of art and design at Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo State. Nosakhare is also a member of the prestigious class of ’99, known for astute movement called Constellation.

The exhibition’s theme resonates deeply with Osadolor’s practice, as he has often focused on the fluidity of identity and the shifting nature of societal norms. “The power of natural lights are a source of inspiration for those constant forces, moving and pushing against each other, just as people do in their lives, constantly evolving,” he added.

Osadolor’s choice of medium for this exhibition is notable. He employs his colours on humans and objects to tell human angle stories, exploring traditional environments to create beautiful collections. “I like to experiment with lights on objects textures to evoke a sense of depth,” Osadolor explained.

“I have used my son as a model for my work and which has turned out well. The experiment for instance, connects to the physicality of the human experience and our emotional life.” His dependent on lights to recreate ideas with colours and bold shapes further enhances the tactile nature of his work, allowing viewers to engage with it both visually and physically.

The decision to invest on excessive lights and reflections, do reflect Osadolor’s desire to break away from conventional artistic boundaries, mirroring the ever-shifting nature of creative tides.

Osadolor expressed his hope that his artwork will challenge viewers to reconsider how they perceive the intersection of tradition and contemporary life. “I want people to feel connected to the work but also to question it,” he shared. “The pieces are meant to be interactive in a way—they should provoke thought about how we, as individuals and a society, appreciate our environment in past and present identities.”

“I want people to feel connected to the work but also to question it

He encourages enthusiasts to immerse themselves fully in the experience of his body of work, whenever they encounter them. Maybe, at galleries or online media. And they are free to interpret them based on their own perspectives and experiences.

The creation of Osadolor’s pieces for Creative Tides was a process of trial and evolution. “Initially, I was working with a few concepts that were disconnected, but as I delved deeper, the idea of movement, conflict, and harmony started to emerge.” His piece evolved over several weeks, from sketches to the final composition. “It’s a gradual process, much like the tides themselves—it never feels forced, just a natural flow of ideas coming together,” Osadolor explained.

It’s a gradual process, much like the tides themselves—it never feels forced, just a natural flow of ideas coming together,

This deliberate approach to creation underscores the artist’s belief in letting inspiration take its course, ensuring that every element is in harmony with the overall concept.

As with much of his work, Osadolor addresses themes that reflect the broader cultural and social landscape. In Creative Tides, his exploration of identity, both personal and collective, speaks to Nigeria’s complex socio-economic context. “I want to provoke questions about the ways in which we, as a society, are affected by forces outside of our control, but also how we, as individuals, push back and assert our autonomy,” he said.

Osadolor’s art engages with these pressing questions while maintaining an undercurrent of hope and resilience, as his characters navigate the fluidity of societal pressures and personal freedom.

Nosakhare Osadolor is joined by a diverse group of talented artists, each bringing their own voice to the exhibition. From painters to sculptors and ceramists, the range of works ensures that there is something for everyone. The artists involved share a commitment to exploring the evolving nature of creativity, tackling various themes such as identity, culture, and the personal versus the collective.

Together, they represent the vibrant, interconnected forces that drive the art world, both locally in Lagos and globally. The exhibition, now closed, did not only showcase their individual works but also emphasize the beauty that arises when these creative tides come together in one shared space.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/Artworks/Nosakhare Osadolor/Photographs/Nosakhare Osadolor