Art x Adẹ

This painting carries my artistic identity, rich in cultural symbolism, storytelling, movement, colour contrast, and ceremonial royal procession. The central figures, adorned in traditional regalia and beads, represent leadership, continuity, and ancestral pride, while the surrounding dancers, drummers, and community members embody the spirit of collective celebration. The crowned pillar rising in the background symbolises enduring authority and cultural resilience. The painting is an abstract impressionist representation of the annual Ogidi Day Cultural Festival held in June of every year. It is in celebration of the New Yam, The painting is my contribution towards the preservation of the beauty of African heritage and reminding viewers that culture is not merely remembered, it is lived, performed, and passed from one generation to another.

There are strong connections between the philosophical concept of self-examination as defined by Socrates, the SWOT analysis used in business management, and the scriptural teaching on self-evaluation. All three are fundamentally exercises in reflective assessment aimed at growth, improvement, resilience, and survival. Socrates taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” emphasising the importance of honest inward reflection as the foundation of wisdom and meaningful living. In a similar way, SWOT analysis, the examination of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, enables organisations to evaluate their current condition, understand their environment, and make wiser strategic decisions for future progress. Biblical teaching equally places great importance on self-examination. The Scriptures repeatedly encourage believers to evaluate their hearts, actions, motives, and faith to ensure alignment with God’s will and teachings. Passages such as “Examine yourselves ...

One morning, shortly after I started primary school, I stood beside my mother as she finished frying akara (bean cakes) for sale. It was my duty to hawk them around the village before going to school.  As I waited, I suddenly noticed a young handsome man walking slowly along the main road. He was completely naked, tall, about six feet in height, dark-complexioned, and perhaps between eighteen and twenty years old. As he approached our house, he stopped, turned toward us, and began to sing. Ẹsin ta ta ta oku o Eniyan rin rin rin o sọ nu Ko ma soun to 'ju ori ri o Oni suuru lo l’aiye Which translates roughly as: The horse kicks and kicks until it dies. Human beings walk and walk until they are lost. There is nothing the eyes have not seen. Only the patient truly inherit the earth. He repeated the song several times. Just as he finished singing, a lorry approached from the western side of the village and stopped very close to where he stood. A woman quickly jumped out of t...

Philosophy begins with the courage to examine oneself. It is the quiet but profound art of asking questions, not merely questions with easy answers, but those deeper questions that challenge the mind and awaken the soul. The most meaningful questions in life are often those beyond complete human understanding, for it is through such inquiry that the mind expands and wisdom is born. True self-examination revolves around three important dimensions of human existence. First are questions about people: how we relate to others, how we treat them, and what influence they have on our lives. Second are questions about place: where we are today, where we truly belong, and whether we are moving in the direction we ought to be going. Third are questions about things: our needs, desires, ambitions, and the endless tension between what is necessary and what is merely wanted. A life without self-questioning easily becomes a life lived on autopilot. But a reflective mind,  one willing to pause, q...

A very close friend of over 50 years, from another part of Nigeria, recently asked for my opinion on the current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo. I responded without hesitation, drawing from what I have heard, read, and observed about him, as well as his performance in office so far. My impression is that he is an honest and well-intentioned gentleman with a sincere desire to improve the condition of Kogi State and uplift the lives of its people. He appears humble, respectful, and genuinely concerned about governance and development rather than political drama. One quality that stands out strongly is his loyalty to his mentor and political benefactor. In many ways, this reflects admirable character, gratitude, and consistency. However, excessive loyalty in politics can sometimes become limiting, especially when a leader is expected to exercise independent judgment and establish his own identity. What may presently appear to be a strength could, over time, also b...

Matthew Adekunle Medupin Celebrates Successful 6th Solo Art Exhibition, Memoir Launch and 76th Birthday in London, United Kingdom – 9 May 2026 The Upper Hall of St William of York, Roman Catholic Church , Forest Hill in London UK came alive on Friday, 9 May 2026, a Nigerian born UK artist and author Matthew Adekunle Medupin hosted his 6th Solo Art Exhibition alongside the official launch of his memoir, Grace and Resilience. The occasion also coincided with the celebration of his 76th birthday, making it a truly memorable and inspiring event. The exhibition attracted a large gathering of art lovers, friends, supporters, and distinguished guests from different walks of life, all united in celebrating a remarkable journey of creativity, resilience, and service to humanity. The event commenced at 12 noon with guests viewing a diverse and captivating collection of artworks that reflected Medupin’s artistic vision and life experiences. A special book reading from Grace and Resili...