Oluwafemi Afolabi | Artist at Mondoir

Nationality: Nigerian

Discipline: painting

Based in: Ibadan , NG

Biography

Oluwafemi Afolabi, the chiropteric Painter is a native of Ogbomoso South Local Government of Oyo State, though birthed in the Northern part of Nigeria where he started his elementary education. His parent migrated to their native land where he then completed his elementary schooling and had his secondary education thereafter. ‘Femi’s foray into the world of Art started informally after his secondary school education when he enrolled as a trainee of Graphics and Sign Writing at Mide Print in Oyo town and has since then pursued his life - long dream of becoming an Artist with passion. This irreversible pursuit has culminated in his crescendo as the uncharacteristic painter whose paintings classically reflect animal symbolism, with the unprecedented reflections of the chiropteran bats. The journey however has been far from being smooth especially after Olufemi lost his Dad as a lad. But big thanks to his Mum who dualized her role as both father and mother. The maverick painter later proceeded to the well-regarded Emmanuel Alayande College of Education Oyo, Oyo state and graduated as a Painting and Graphic Specialist in 2017. Interestingly, ’Femi has recently completed his bachelor’s Degree programme in Fine and Applied Arts at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University OAU.

Artist Statement

To be precise, my art is my means of self-expression, the reflection of my community and the appreciation of nature; an avenue to capture and narrate the untold stories of many that dwells at the other side of affluence. Furthermore, my craft seek to draw attention to the interesting world of women and everything that surrounds her. i.e., her likes, beauty, struggles, indescribable love for children and her intriguingly complex emotional entanglements in such a compelling manner Given that I am an otherwise introverted fellow, the blank canvass becomes my platform to identify with the downtrodden and encourage the fearful. My meticulous renditions intentionally speaks of hope and a brighter tomorrow as taught by the holy scriptures notwithstanding the uncertainties and doubts of today. My non-conforming, predominantly - life paintings, relentlessly longs to encourage, inspire and motivate the ones that aren’t born with the proverbial silver spoon around the world; the dudes that aren’t raised within the royal courts and the folks who had no privilege of being nursed in glass houses, to believe that the unbiased Creator has not forgotten anyone and tomorrow definitely speaks of better things if the chin is raised and hope is sustained.

Exhibitions

I have been privileged to participate in a handful of art shows which includes but not limited to; *Affordableartfair, Battersea Park London UK (2026) *AÌMÀSÌKÒ “Ignorance of divine timing” Group Art Exhibition, National Museum, Ibadan Nigeria. (2025) *West African Visual Art Exhibition, London UK (2025) * Hampstead Big Fair, London UK (2024) * Hampstead Summer Festival, London UK (2024). * Thing of beauty, London UK (2024). * Art Fair, Ibadan Nigeria (2024). * Life In My City Art Festival, Enugun NIgeria (2023). * Inside Out; See beyond Seeing, Ondo State, Nigeria (2023). * Art Fair “Chronicle” Ondo State Nigeria (2022). * Forgotten Identity, Artsy-New York city (2022). * Fashion, An Instant Language, Artsy-New York city (2022). * Life in My City Festival (LIMCAF) Enugun Nigeria (2022). * Arnheim Collection Art Exhibition, Ibadan, Nigeria (2022). * Life in My City Festival (LIMCAF) Ibadan, Nigeria (2021). * LASGIDI art exhibition, Lagos, Nigeria (2021).

Awards

Life in My City Festival (LIMCAF) Ibadan zone (2022) where I emerged as one of the best top 100 Artists.

Education

I am An Artist graduated from Emmanuel Alayande College of Education Oyo State. And recently completed my bachelor’s Degree programme in Fine and Applied Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University “OAU”