From silence to art in SOUGH — Guardian Arts — The Guardian Nigeria News

The art scene is set to welcome a striking new voice as Adetola Odunlami, a self-taught artist, unveils his debut show SOUGH.

The exhibition, which runs from October 28 to November 4, 2024 at Esoteric Design on Victoria Island, offers a fresh look at contemporary Nigerian art.

Odunlami’s unconventional journey into the world of visual arts has been as eclectic as it is inspiring.

Odunlami initially worked as a fashion designer before moving into the construction industry, but his move into painting will now define his creative legacy. “My path was unconventional,” Odunlami said, reflecting on his career.

“Fashion taught me form, construction gave me structure, and now painting allows me to explore the spaces in between.”

This exploration of spaces, both physical and metaphorical, is central to SOUGH.

Through his use of acrylic on canvas, Odunlami explores the silent yet powerful presence of vacant buildings, transforming them into stories rich in memory, time and latent potential. The exhibition explores how silence, often seen as a void, becomes a force that resonates through empty spaces.

Influenced by both Nigerian and international artists including Duke Asidere, Abiodun Olaku and George Condo, Odunlami’s work bridges cultural divides and pays tribute to his artistic heritage.

He credits his mother’s collection of antique ivory art for nurturing his appreciation for the past, which he combines with his contemporary vision.

“In emptiness I find fullness,” Odunlami explains. “Every empty room, every silent hallway tells a story. Through SOUGH I invite the viewer to listen to these unspoken stories.”

With its transformative take on silence and absence, Odunlami’s debut promises to be a pivotal moment in contemporary Nigerian art, not only for those familiar with his journey, but for art lovers eager to experience a new, compelling story.