Bola Obatuyi.

Portfolio.

Artist Statement.

Using Ankara attire, waste materials and acrylic colors with oil is my greatest joy. Because I always want to use waste fabrics to create masterpieces, beauty, and wealth. I believe we should create a dynamic expression in art and to others in life. Using art to promote African Culture, an eye-opener for upcoming artists around the world to let parents allow their children to have the spirit of Art. Also, to find a solution to people’s lives through my artistic ideology.

Artist Biography.

Bola Obatuyi born in September 1992 in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. Obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fine Arts from Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Nigeria in 2015/2017. She loved to draw on a wall, and also by using cardboard to create her artistic ideology with waste materials when she was a child. Each work is made by hand. Through a laborious process that begins with template drawings and fabric-cutting and ends with painting and sewing. “I’m expressing myself and embracing my femininity through my choice of material.” She playfully riffs on traditional weaving patterns, and colorful Africa Attire (though sometimes ripping apart old ones) that feature optical illusions, acid drips, and pixelated glitches. These works combined visual and written storytelling to explore topics such as the underrepresentation of African Americans in art history.

Her art is influenced by a range of artists both locally and internationally which include: Andy Warhol, Njideka Akunyili, and Marcellina Akpojotor amongst others. Bola Obatuyi combines fabric and acrylic paint to create a rich representation of gentleness and the gift of feminity. Her work intercepts body positivity, sisterhood, and defiance towards socially constructed notions. Around what it means to be female such as the misconception that physical attractiveness is the most important aspect of being a woman. Bola Obatuyi aims to use her art as a medium to show appreciation for women within Nigerian society and beyond.

Medium.

• Fabrics (Ankara)
• Oil and Acrylic

Work history.

• National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos.
• Paddy Art Studio, Ibadan.

Skills.

• Strong knowledge in the use of Artistic Tools, Material, and equipment.
• Outstanding Artistic abilities.
• Superior Knowledge of Art History.
• Excellent Communication Skills.

Group exhibitions.

• Some of us are brave Art Exhibition (London, 2022).
• Shape of the New (UK, 2021).
• Art Project (UK, 2021).
• Can’t Stop our Flow (UK, 2021).
• Destiny Exhibition, Alexis Gallery (2019).
• Artists Fair Exhibition (2019).
• Oreze VII Art Exhibition (2019).
• Edo North Exhibition, Life in my City Exhibition, and Art Expo Festival Exhibition (2019).

Social media.

Instagram: @bolaobatuyi_art