Art x Adẹ

In the spring of 2019, a new chapter bloomed—quietly and with wonder. These six humble pieces, painted in the early days of discovery, capture my first dialogue with colour, form, and imagination. A slice of melon, pineapple, a banana, a potted tree, and a man-cup merging with nature—each image reflects the purity and honesty of observing the world as it is. They are not just studies of live objects; they are my first whispered steps into a broader universe of expression. Though the journey has since turned toward abstraction and landscapes, these works remain the roots—still pulsing with emotion, still whispering reminders of where it all began.

Life becomes truly beautiful and fulfilling when we choose to live in harmony. At our core, we exist not in isolation but in relationship—with one another, with the world around us. We thrive through mutual understanding and support, recognising that our differences are not barriers but bridges. We live because others live. This textured abstract painting portrays three faceless human figures—one dark, one bronze, and one white—standing united beneath a large black umbrella. Each figure represents a unique identity, yet together they embody unity beyond division. Behind them swirls a stormy backdrop of red, white, and black—a chaotic world that mirrors life’s trials. And yet, the umbrella above serves as a powerful symbol of shared protection, togetherness, and quiet resilience. The rich textures carved into the canvas give the scene emotional depth, speaking to our human vulnerability—but also to the strength we find when we stand together. Take a moment to reflect. Wha...

When it comes to the use of colour in painting, Red Horizon stands out as one of my most inspiring and personal works. It captures the essence of a classic cloudy sky, reflecting the unpredictability of human behaviour during uncertain times. Each colour offers a glimpse into a different stage of my life: white signifies the innocence of morning and new beginnings; red conveys the vitality and ambition of youth; green represents growth, renewal, and a grounding connection to nature; grey speaks to the uncertain middle years, when identity feels fluid and unresolved; while yellow and black evoke depth, wisdom, and the profound mystery that awaits us all. I invite you to interpret this piece in your own personal way—and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

This is one of my earliest paintings—an impressionist interpretation of Agbo-Olode , a traditional masquerade and a central figure in the annual festival of Ogidi Kingdom, Kogi State. I’ll never forget one particular day during the Agbo Festival when I was a child. That morning, I was on my usual round hawking àkàrà (bean cakes) for my mother when I caught sight of an approaching Agbo masquerade. Instinctively, I ran toward an elderly man nearby, hoping he would shield me. But before I could reach him, three more Agbo masquerades emerged from different directions, closing in fast. The man stood frozen, unable to protect me, and panic surged through me. I screamed and bolted toward home, the tray of àkàrà on my head slowing me down. In desperation, I flung it aside—the bean cakes scattered across the ground, and coins spilled from my pocket. I didn’t stop to look back. I ran all the way home, breathless but safe. For the rest of the festival, which still had a few days ...

Inspired by a quiet moment outside a school gate, this painting captures the grandeur of a historic building that once served as a medieval place of worship and now stands as a vibrant centre of education for over 1,500 pupils. The artist, moved by the architectural splendor and the building’s transformation from sacred sanctuary to scholastic stronghold, uses earthy tones and luminous crosses to honour its spiritual roots. Beneath a swirling, star-filled night sky, the structure becomes a symbol of continuity—where faith, knowledge, and legacy converge. This work invites viewers to reflect on how places evolve over time, yet remain deeply rooted in purpose and inspiration.

This is a painting by my 7-year old granddaughter titled "The Lonely Planet. I dare say she has an eye for beauty—and a heart full of creativity. If I’ve passed on anything worthwhile to the next generation, I hope it’s this sense of wonder, spontaneity, and belief that expression has no expiry date. It’s a beautiful thing to watch someone so young create something so meaningful. It reminds me that while age brings wisdom, youth brings courage. And both are needed in art—and in life.

                          The Cocoa Trees  This painting was inspired by my deep personal affinity with cocoa. My father, along with his siblings and close friends, had leased a large hectare of land for the cultivation of cocoa and other cash crops in Ẹda, in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. The plantation was a vital source of funding for our education. In fact, my father’s ownership of the farm, located far from our village, gave me my first experience of travelling by lorry. I remember watching trees speeding past, a dazzling and unforgettable experience. For us children, the excitement of the journey often outweighed the purpose behind it. During school holidays, we would travel with my father—sometimes my mother—and many members of our extended family. We would leave early in the morning, often in a lorry that had journeyed all the way from Ikarẹ, about 25 miles away. As we departed, the whole vill...