Ayoola Oluwaseun Omovo : Art On ‘‘Spotlight’’

Yemi Olakitan

 Ayoola Omovo is a dynamic silhouette painter and part-time visual art instructor at Lycee Francais Louis Pasteur( French School, Lagos, Nigeria) Her differentiating painting approach of utilizing Black and White’’ ink form is noteworthy for the vibrant expressive artistic outcomes. As it also creates enjoyable nostalgia that comes from the early stages of photography development in her paintings.

She is presently the Vice Chairman of the society of Nigerian artists, (SAN) Lagos Chapter. She is the previous coordinator for the southwest zone of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) among other reputable art associations. Ayoola artworks have been displayed in several exhibitions including, ‘Expressions Kambani London Art, Silverbird Gallery, Lagos, May 2006.

Ayoola was on Spotlight, a two weeks exhibition at Nike Arts Gallery in Lagos.

For a fortnight, her works were on display to various guests and visitors at the gallery. She spoke with Yemi Olakitan on the exhibition, why it is important to her and Mama Nike Okundaye’s contribution to Nigerian arts.

Yemi: What’s this exhibition about?

Ayoola: Spotlight is a series of exhibitions that were created by Mrs Nike Davies Okundaye, fondly called, Mama Nike. This exhibition is about giving a platform for all the artists whose works are showcased at Nike Arts Gallery. It is about all the works that Mama Nike has collected. This means each artist will have two weeks to showcase his or her works to the public. I am the one on Spotlight at the moment. My show will run for two weeks at the gallery and I have the privilege to invite my friends, collectors and colleagues to come, see and buy my work.

It is the first of its kind in Nigeria and the space is absolutely free for the artists. This is so important because it will encourage the artists to grow. Spotlight helps to show all the works of the artists in one piece.

When I put my work together on display even Mama Nike was surprised to see them. She has seen the works so many times, piece by piece but she has not seen all the works at once on display.

This is what an exhibition does for visual artists. One is able to appreciate the works of the artists more because of the variety on display. I am so grateful that Mama Nike gives me the opportunity to showcase my works at the largest art gallery in Africa. I am humbled.

Yemi: Let’s talk about the works on display, the titles and what they mean

Ayoola: ‘‘Yet I Rise” This is one of my works, here at the gallery. It is a storyline about children. It talks about giving them a chance to explore life, sometimes. If you give them the chance to explore, you will be surprised at what they will bring to light or put it in another way, you will be amazed at what they will discover. The picture, I painted was actually my brother’s son. His name is Oluwatobiloba Odupitan.

The second work is, ‘‘The Three Jolly Friends’’ The painting talks about an important lesson of life which is that three young friends cannot play together and stay together forever. Friends don’t stay together forever. At some point, they depart.

‘‘Beyond the Ordinary’’ is a painting of Mama Nike. She has helped many people in the sector. She has opened this place for young artists free of charge. She has been a ladder of success for many Nigerian artists so I painted one of my favourite pictures of her. She is a great woman, full of love, and an inspiration to all.

‘‘Art Therapy’’ is another work of mine on display and it is very dear to me because of the message. Art is therapeutic. It is a healing tool. I remember one time, I painted the children's ward at Lagos State University Teaching University, (LUTH)

It was reported that many of the sick children forgot their pain in the wards. There was a particular child that was reportedly dying of cancer.  When the parents brought her to the ward, her spirits lighted up and she was full of joyful smiles throughout her stay, although, we eventually lost her. Her last moments were not sad or sorrowful as she was dying of cancer. She passed away, happy. 

You can imagine if she had arts in her life long before then, it was possible that she would have lived and would not have developed cancer at all, in the first place. So, this work talks about the therapeutic value of art to humanity. We should have arts in all the hospitals. 

The lady with beads is Titled: My Culture my Heritage, 

Yemi: What message will you like to live behind

Ayoola: Let us protect our culture, let us be proud of our heritage, let us speak our language and teach our children our Culture so that we don't lose our value in the future.

Out Culture is rich and speaks volumes, let's embrace what is ours. Never looked down on any Artist because they are great people. 

Art is Life.

Yemi: Can you mention some of the places you have worked? 

Ayoola: I have spoken in different schools, like Lagoon School Lekki, Caleb British international school Abijo, to mention a few to motivate both the students and parents in other to give the children a chance to explore, buy art materials or colouring books for them, you will discover a lot in them and Arts help to open up their thinking cap and helps in other subjects as well.

At Caleb British international school Abijo, I gave Basil (a pupil )one monthly workshop scholarship on Art when I see his passion and skills in Art during their Art Exhibition 2021, under Adedoyin Bello studio.

Yemi: Who are you grateful to

Ayoola: I am grateful to my parents who have always been my great pillars of support(The Christopher ODUPITAN  family)! and my husband.