Olaopa’s reminiscence with Mosaic Art By Yemi Olakitan

Olaopa’s reminiscence with Mosaic Art

By Yemi Olakitan

             Foremost Nigerian Arts promoter and curator, Oladele Olaopa has unveiled fresh ideas aimed at re-energizing Nigerian arts and interior decoration scene. Speaking at an interview, Mr. Olaopa who is well known for its yearly art show, tagged: Experience Nigeria said his organizations’ new focus is Mosaics which he said is very good on buildings as well as portraits. According to him it was necessary for the arts community to continually upgrade its originality in other to move forward to the next level.  He was convinced that Mosaics is the next step in creativity and advancement for his organization. He believed that Mosaic arts offer new paths in arts appreciation and enjoyment. Olaopa said, Mosaic is a highly versatile medium that has the potentials to transform various aspects of building from bathrooms to bedroom with endless colors and durable materials and variety.  ‘Mosaic is perfect for Mural Project, possibilities are only limited to the artist’s imagination. Whole buildings and their interior can be magically transformed and beautified using Mosaic and it is highly durable.’’ He said.

       ‘‘ My interest in Mosaic started in the early 80s while I was in Italy. Italy is home to some of the earliest and finest styles of Mosaic art. I fell in love with it and obtained the necessary training then. On getting back to Nigeria, I focused in contemporary Mosaic arts. Mosaic designs are the perfect complement for various types of buildings such as schools, hospitals, stadiums, theatres, hotels, churches and many more. Mosaic as an art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glasses, stone or other materials is a technique of decorative art, an aspect of interior or exterior decoration and flooring that has cultural or spiritual significance. ‘’

     Olaopa said that apart from his work as promoter and curator, contemporary fine art Mosaics are his specialty. He said he was determined to make it available for public art or private commissions as the need may arise.  Speaking further, Olaopa said that Mosaic designs are the perfect complement for various types of buildings including schools, hospitals and others.

     ‘‘ I recently perfected a method of using this medium for portraits which are suitable for monuments, tombstones or wall hangings, whereby the work is fixed on 4ft by 4ft plywood and framed with aluminum. With the portrait one can produce fantastic images. As an artist, I create my custom Mosaic from high quality Italian glass ties witch are durable, resistant to fading, frost, water, and chemicals whether on walls, floors or portraits. The colors also remain vibrant and clear. One advantage of the Mosaic, apart from the aesthetic value, its variety and durability it can stand as long as the building is standing. ‘’

On the subject of exhibition of the works, Olaopa said that he will be unveiling different dates and venues for his exhibitions which will be held in various parts of the country. We want to engage all categories of people In Nigeria to take advantage of the numerous benefits of Mosaic Arts.