Olamilekan Okunade | Artist at Mondoir

Nationality: Nigerian

Discipline: painting

Born: 1988

Based in: Nigeria, NG

Biography

Okunade Olamilekan (b. 1988) is a contemporary Nigerian artist known for his evocative paintings. Born in Lagos State, Nigeria, and currently residing in Oyo State, he is a full-time practicing studio artist. Olamilekan graduated in 2017 with a B.Tech (Hon. Fine and Applied Arts) from Ladoke Akintola University in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. His artwork primarily explores themes related to the cultural dynamics and societal issues affecting the black community, with a particular focus on the roles and experiences of women. Using acrylic paint on canvas, he draws inspiration from his immediate environment, gender physiognomy, and societal struggles. Olamilekan has participated in numerous joint exhibitions and competitions, achieving recognition as one of the top 100 finalists in the "Life in My City" (Limcaf) competition in 2019. He was also the 2nd runner-up at the Jesudahunsi Art Competition in 2008 and received the award for the most creative student at LAUTECH in 2015. His works have been showcased internationally, including at the Suzhou Expo in China (2021), the MoDhafest Art in Healing Exhibition in the USA (2022), and the Yoruba ni mi Gallery in the UK (2022). Recently he had his solo exhibition themed Bloom and Essence at the British Council, 20 Thomson Avenue, Ikoyi Lagos in November 2025, and also a group exhibition themed, Unity Renewed, a joint exhibition held at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan also in November 2025. In addition to his artistic practice, Olamilekan has a residential atelier where he mentors young emerging artists through internships. He is a member of Global Arts in Medicine and co-founder of "Sip and Paint Your Mental Health," demonstrating his commitment to using art as a medium for healing and community engagement. His works are widely collected both in Nigeria and internationally.

Artist Statement

Artist Statement My art is a tribute, an embodiment of strength, resilience, and quiet but powerful stories that shape my socio-relatable and subconscious community. As a son, raised singlehandedly by a single mother, I witnessed first-hand the sacrifices, perseverance, and unwavering love that defined and shaped a typical African child's upbringing. All my experiences with my mother and the women that surround me influence my work, fueling my exploration of identity, struggle, and beauty found in women's resilience. Through bold colors, intricate geometric patterns, and layered composition, I tell my stories of women's strength. My art is a reflection of past and present, blending heritage with contemporary narratives. I'm drawn to scenes and themes of equity in the women's pedagogy, my art is a listening ear that has the power to give awareness to the unseen emotions the she-gender carried around. Every art piece I create is personal, my art is an extension of my soul search, subconscious awakening, and the gratitude I hold for the women who shaped me. My top goal is to evoke emotion, to start a very critical and crucial conversation in honor of the silent battles fought by so many from the generation before my precious mother to the one coming after her. Art to me is a storytelling, and my story is still unfolding.

Exhibitions

27. +234 Artfair. Ecobank and Soto gallery. March 5-8. 2026 26. Unity Renewed - National museum of unity joint exhibition. 27 & 28 November 2025 25. The Gallery By Tecta Studios debut joint exhibition- Saturday 16th Aug - Sunday 7th Sept- Wuse2 Abuja. 2025 24. Bloom and Essence . British council . 22 & 23 November,2025. Ikoyi lagos 23. LAGOS EASTER ART CARNIVAL. Fobally Art Gallery. 18TH - 2IST. Onikan Lagos APRIL 2025 22. Miniature art fair lagos. Ogirikan and Iwalewa Art gallery. Nov 30th - Dec 2nd 2024 21. March 22nd -31st. +234 Artfair. Soto gallery, Lagos. 2024 20. How times flies 2. Vivid exclusive gallery. Lekki, Lagos Nigeria. 2023 19. MoDhafest Art in Healing Exhibition, USA, 2022 18.Yoruba Gallery. Yoruba ni mi. UK, 2022. 17.Liesel cerna. International Peace day virtual exhibition. Brazil 2022 16. 5th International Online Art Exhibition organized by Nirantar Art India - 2022 15. 2nd. International virtual exhibition in Chile - 2022 14. D'Gathering Art exhibition. Igando Lagos. 2022 13. 7.International Yunus Emre Exhibition. Turkey 2022 12. Liesel cerna. Mother's day virtual exhibition. Brazil 2022 11. Movimiento De Arte Emergente. "Children'' virtual Exhibition. Mexico 2022 10. World Art Day. Department of Fine Arts, Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University, Punjab. Indian 2022 9. The Made In NAIJA3, The Great Hall Lautech Ogbomoso, 2021 8.Suzhou international Expo. China, 2021 7. Miniature Art fair, Ogirikan, Lagos 6. Life in my city (Limcaf), IMP, Enugu, 2019 5. Life in my city, thought pyramid, Lagos, 2019 4. Dream, (vivid exclusive Gallery) Ajah, Lagos, 2019 3. 11th -15 March, 2019 Law meets Art, Civic centre Lekki, Lagos, 2018. 2. 11th-15 March, 2018 (The Convergence Joint Exhibition) 1.12th-17th May, 2018 (Crowne Art Gallery debut Joint Exhibition)

Awards

• Selected as one of over 200 artists to exhibit at the +234 Art Fair (2024), where I successfully sold six paintings. • Featured in The Guardian Nigeria for my solo exhibition “Bloom Essence” at the British Council, Ikoyi, Lagos (2025). • International publication and feature by Risunoc highlighting my artistic practice (2024). • Featured artist profile on ArtDey, exploring my signature pixelation technique and conceptual approach. • In-depth studio feature published by TurningArt, providing critical insight into my process and thematic explorations. • Critical review and feature by Creole Magazine, examining themes of fragmentation, memory, and identity in my work. • Recognized as one of the Top 100 finalists in the Life in My City Art Festival (2019). • Awarded Most Creative Student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (2015).

Education

I studied Fine and Applied Arts at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where i majored in painting, and I graduated with Btech (Hon. Fine and Applied Arts). ▫️The Artist’s Path Master class (Artstier)April 2025