The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) once again lit up Lagos with its annual October Rain Exhibition, a prestigious showcase that continues to define the pulse of Nigeria’s contemporary art scene. This year’s edition, held at the Iwalewa Gallery of Art, Lekki, was not just an exhibition, it was a homecoming of creativity, culture, and connection. Writes Ireho Aito for iBAND Magazine

Artists, collectors, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts gathered in vibrant unity to celebrate the power of visual storytelling and the rich diversity of Nigerian art. The event also honoured Dr. Kolade Osinowo, an iconic painter, teacher, and former SNA president whose legacy remains a guiding light in the nation’s artistic community.

Few names resonate as deeply within Nigeria’s art circles as Dr. Kolade Osinowo. A painter, mentor, and visionary, Osinowo’s career spans decades of creative excellence and academic influence. As a former lecturer at Yaba College of Technology, he nurtured generations of artists who today define the contemporary Nigerian art scene.

Renowned for his masterful use of colour and light, his paintings capture the rhythms of everyday life, portraits, market scenes, and cultural expressions rendered with grace and sensitivity. Beyond his studio practice, Dr. Osinowo’s leadership within the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) helped strengthen the country’s artistic identity and community.

His enduring philosophy of discipline, dedication, and a deep love for the craft, continues to inspire young creatives. Through his works and his students, Dr. Kolade Osinowo’s legacy remains a luminous thread in the tapestry of Nigerian art.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/Photographs/Femi Williams/Iwalewa Gallery of Art