Light bearer by Olamilekan Okunade
Explore Mondoir Studio
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 30 x 36 in
Year: 2024
Price: $3100.00 USD
Status: available
The painting “Light Bearer” is a representation of a young lady’s journey to discover her true self amidst challenges of lust, feeling lost, and moments of contemplation. The inspiration behind this piece, is the theme of discovery - a young lady navigating a world that is hostile towards feminine individuals. The figure exudes strength, determination, hope, guidance, and the pursuit of knowledge in a world hostile to femininity. The colour choice in this piece, and the symbolism of a lighted candle represent inner light, spirituality, and quiet strength in solitude. The open part of the figure's body signifies the vulnerabilities she wants to overcome. The painting’s message is to encourage perseverance, reflection, and finding strength in moments of introspection, illuminated by the presence of a flickering candle flame.
Why collect this work?
A single candle and an unwavering frontal gaze interrupt a field of block-like colour, making illumination appear both fragile and deliberate.
- Okunade describes his practice as centred on women’s strength and social experience. Here, that concern is concentrated in one figure whose direct gaze resists the vulnerability associated with her exposed chest.
- In the photograph, rectangular colour units build the figure, clothing and setting, while facial features, braids and hand remain sharply outlined. The small flame becomes a precise focal point against the expansive, darkening field.
- The documented acrylic-on-canvas medium supports the composition’s opaque, adjoining passages of colour. Their repeated geometry links body and surroundings, while shifts from yellow to deep blue establish a passage between radiance and obscurity.
- The artist identifies the candle with inner light, spirituality and perseverance. Encountering the work allows that stated symbolism to be tested against a visual tension: the flame is slight, yet the figure holds it upright at eye level.
About the Artist
Olamilekan Okunade
Olamilekan Okunade is an artist on Mondoir Studio. Artistic discipline: painting. Based in Nigeria, NG.
Nationality: Nigerian
Geometry pattern| Constructivism Art| Pixilating Arts| Creating Piece with Acrylic on canvas Co-Founder @sipandpaintyourmentalhealth
