Okunade Olamilekan is a contemporary Oyo-based Nigerian artist who specializes in painting. Born in Lagos State Nigeria, graduated in 2017 with a Btech degree (Hon. Fine and Applied Arts) from Ladoke Akintola University.
His collection is deeply influenced by and reflects the cultural experiences and challenges facing the Black community, with a particular emphasis on women and their societal roles. Okunade employs a unique style that creates a pixelated effect in his art, using squares to form a distinctive visual language.
Through the use of acrylic paint on canvas, he draws inspiration from his immediate surroundings, gender dynamics, and the broader societal struggles and triumphs he encounters.
With numerous successful joint exhibitions and competitions under his belt, he emerged among the top 100 finalists for Life in My City (Limcaf) 2019 and he was the 2nd runner-up at the Jesudahunsi art competition in 2008. These accolades are just a glimpse of his achievements; he has continued to excel as an artist. We invite you to explore a deeper look into the visionary behind the pixelated art collection.
The Regal Woman by Olamilekan Okunade, 2024
artdey: Your work powerfully addresses cultural issues that impact the Black community. Can you share what specific events or experiences have most influenced your artistic journey?
Olamilekan Okunade: I grew up in a single-mom household, where two hands became singular. I saw how much my mom endured to shape me into a better person despite the harshness of the community. However, she was not appreciated in her community for being a woman, a mother of two boys whom she raised single-handedly. As a result, she faced a great deal of backlash and discouragement. As I grew into adulthood, I realized there were many women like my mom who were given withered flowers for being women in a male-dominated world. This experience inspired me to use my art to give voice to their stories and celebrate their feminine strength.
artdey: The pixelated look created by your unique square technique adds a distinct visual layer to your work. What inspired you to adopt this approach, and how does it contribute to the narrative you're telling?
Olamilekan Okunade: The fusion of this style emerged from my subconscious mind. During difficult times in art school, I worked on construction sites to make ends meet. Observing the patterns in interlocking bricks inspired me to translate a vision that only my inner eyes could see and perceive into my art. Therefore, this style can be said to have been inspired by the arrangement of interlocking bricks.
Ètàn (Deception) by Olamilekan Okunade, 2023
artdey: How do you balance conveying a strong message through your art while also ensuring it resonates aesthetically with your audience?
Olamilekan Okunade: I was raised in this community from birth, which gave me a deep understanding of what my audience desires and connects with. By blending my message with aesthetics, I created a powerful way to present women in a beautiful light. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of my paintings but also encourages everyone to view women from a fresh perspective.
artdey: What advice would you give to emerging artists who want to use their work to challenge cultural norms and address social issues?
Olamilekan Okunade: The time to start is now, and inspiration comes when you ignite your passion. I would advise them to stay true to their inner selves; no one can tell our story better than we can.
Imp of Perfection Olamilekan Okunade, 2024
We hope Okunade’s journey inspires emerging artists to embrace their craft without waiting for the perfect moment, using the tools they have at hand. To art collectors, we are confident that his work will make a striking addition to your collection. Explore and shop his pieces here.