Meet Goge Africa Art Ambassadors!

Have you seen the new refreshing look of Goge Africa corporate office? Well, if you’ve not visited, our office space is wearing a new look and you need to see it! Some young artists across several art specialties were behind the aesthetic transformation of our workspace. Let’s lead you on the journey towards meeting these creative mavericks brimming with creative juice.

SEIDOUGHA LINUS EYIMIEGHA

Born in Lagos, Nigeria; Seidougha Linus Eyimiegha is all-round creative with experiences as a painter, designer, curator, consultant and art projects manager. Developing a tender spot for art at his early years, his childhood experiences today characterizes the themes of some of his works.

He has earned mentions and his workshops broadcast across several news media platforms. Worthy of mention is the November 10th, 2019 publication of The Guardian (one of Nigerian’s top national dailies) which stated that: ”he has a first-class portfolio in art project management. Several of his projects, are designed to help young people interact and appreciate art from their locality.”

He has a B.A. degree in Arts from Delta State University. Fascinated by Lagos Danfo buses, his research led to a replication of the unique designs on Danfo, redefining and bringing into context the geometric traits and designs of local art forms and contemporary designs, reflecting popular culture for the consumption of art lovers. Just the way Danfo reflects contemporary stories through symbolic motifs, so is Seidougha Linus re-enacting the same stories through strapping divergent colours and geometric shapes.

Seidougha has several art projects and exhibitions to his credit including 2019 Ofala Art Exhibition at Onitsha; Lagos State NYSC Camp Art Challenge; Lagos State Corps Members Exhibition in Sept. 2018; Ayama group art exhibition in 2019; Create and Curate your Art project in 2019; and Iconic 87 birthday art workshop, 2019 in honour of the art iconoclast – Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya.

He has consulted for Kuuhubb Recolor mobile app in Finland, Suntory Beverage & Food and presently the art project manager at Goge Africa Art Space. 

AGBENIGA OBAMAYOWA

A self-taught artist, who views terms himself as an embodiment of creativity, media and leadership. Obamayowa, is a Tony Elumelu Foundation trained entrepreneur, a certified Project and Human Resources Manager. He is the creative director of a burgeoning art and media entreprise, A M Arts and Media Conglomerate and the brain behind the art technique which he called ‘Portscape’ – a fuse of landscape and portrait with its most common one title, “Way to her”.

Though of science background with nascent longing for arts, his resurgence into the world of arts, came after his undergraduate degree programme at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Adopting the brand: “I chose science, ARTS chose me”, Mayowa, was nominated as one of the masters of arts in the Creative students award in 2015, where he was featured on Kurukonga Blog as Nigeria’s upcoming Leonardo.

He also emerged one of the Top 15 artist at the Goge Africa Creative Art Contest, top 30 finalist at the creative competition at National Youth Entrepreneurship Summit, 2019 at Abuja. Professionally, he collaborated with Suneko Arts for social development in Ethiopia. His works have been featured on notable online arts platform – Saatchi Art, African Palette; exhibited at the Dreamhome Gallery, Abuja and a host of other exhibition. Through his art, Mayowa has taken the position of a social reformer.

 AYOOLA OLUWASEUN OMOVO

Ayoola Oluwaseun Omovo is an abstract painter who also works as a part-time instructor in visual art activity at Lycee Francais Louis Pasteur (French School), Lagos, Nigeria. Her distinctive style of painting expresses the vibrant unique “Black and White” ink form of paintings standing her out at exhibitions and reminiscing the early stages of photography development.

She earned a Bachelor of Fine and Applied Art from University of Benin,2006, and obtained Diploma in Arts and Design from Institute of Technology,2002, Oregun, Lagos.

She has displayed, coordinated and curated several exhibitions including – Exploitation of internal mind II;  Fair field hall Croydon, United Kingdom; Heritage Mirror Exhibition at Carriegie Art Gallery, Newcastle South Africa; Insight in Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, U.S.A; Balance for Better, women Unite at Nike Art Gallery, Ikate Lagos, 2019; Press for Progress, Women Move On at Nike Art Gallery 2018,Ikate Lagos; Art-mospher Art Exhibition at THE ROOT, Ikoyi Lagos 2018.

Some of her paintings were donated to Lagos Business School, Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria and Carriegie Art Gallery in south Africa.

Ayoola is a member of several professional art bodies including the Society of Nigerian Artist [S.N.A], South-West zone of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria [FEAAN] where she is the incumbent coordinator, Beyond Borders Artist Association of Nigeria, Africa Art Association, Art Zero group, Ota Artist Group amongst others.

BANKOLE TOHEEB

Toheeb Adebayo Bankole is a versatile but controversial visual artist, Pan-Africanist and activist.

He had his early exposure to art at Talents Art Kingdom under Mr. O. J Oyebola between 2012 to 2015. He further proceeded to the prestigious University of Lagos where he majored in painting. As an artist, he has participated in several art and innovation contest like Union Bank Centenary Art Challenge, Black Art Your Optimum contest where his art was selected as one of the best 30 from over 200 artists and also the Rotaract Unilag Innovation Challenge where he emerged the first runner-up.

Adebayo’s dream is to be a change agent for a better society through artistic expression.

Aside from painting, he’s known for political and religious activism.

BOLUWATIFE CALEB

Boluwatife Caleb Ayodele is a Nigerian contemporary artist with specialty in painting and ceramics. A graduate of Fine and Applied Arts from the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Yaba,Lagos; Caleb, is also an Art Educator with several academic and social awards to his credits.

He has participated in several art conferences and served as a facilitator in several art workshops for children.Some of which are: Iconic 87 Art Workshop in honour of the legendary Bruce Onobrakpeya, Annual Children Art Fair at Coker Primary School, Arts and Craft Workshop in Federal College of Education,Akoka.

He has curated and participated in group exhibitions of paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, textiles graphics and photography. To his credit, is the execution of the longest mural painting in Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Yaba,Lagos.

He is a co-founder of BlessedChoice, an art organization that deals with children art education and art consultancy. The organization has since her existence organized art workshops for children and served as a link between artist and those that seek the service of artists.

CLARA ADEN

Clara Aden is a passionate painter who through employing realism,creates mind-blowing pencils drawings. Born Elizabeth Omolara Adenugba, she has been illustrating professionally since 1999 eventually earning her the spot as Assistant Production Manager, Hearts magazine in 2000. She studied Painting and Decorating at Federal Science Technical College, Yaba.

Aden has exhibited in U.S, Norway, Germany and Hungary. Her drawings have been celebrated internationally at Global images of U.S Women, Pennyslynivia in 2015 and recently at the Amref Artball 2019, a premier African art auction and philanthropic event.

To her credit are an array of awards including: Gani Odutokun Award of Excellence in 2016 by African Art Resource Centre;Winner, Global Network Research Development(GNRD) freedom of expression 2015 art competition in Norway. 2nd place winner Buddy bear design 2016 art contest by German Embassy Abuja. Aden is also a beneficiary of 2018 International artist residency award, Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF)

She recently participated at Project Space Lagos project. One of the off-program for the Lagos Biennial, 2019, a one-week intensive experimental residency project curated by Nigerian-German curator, Emeka Udemba. Her drawing installation addresses the issue of the impact of climate change on the environment with focus on Lagos city and its inhabitants.

FASILAT OMOLOLA ELETU

Fasilat is a self-taught painter, muralist and an upcyclist who loves to paint on anything. Born on the 19th of January 1989, she hails from Ibeju Lekki, Lagos – Nigeria. She is a graduate of political science from the Lagos State University and a member of Society of Nigerian Artist (SNA).

She has participated in numerous Art exhibitions both locally and internationally, prominent among them is a major exhibition with the Spanish Embassy. She lives and practices art in Nigeria since 2010 with her murals commissioned and celebrated in Nigeria too.

Olumuyiwa Afolabi Olusola (OAO)

“Through the border between the artist and the audience, I desire to depict the world both in visual and spiritual sense.” Olumuyiwa, who doubles as a painter & brand strategist, has worked with reputable advertising agencies and brands such as Grant Advertising, USP Brand Management, Linkserved Ltd., LTC-JWT Advertising.

His rich profile spanning over two decades cuts across working on internationally recognized brands such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, Calypso, Cadbury Corporate Portfolio, Guinness FES/Corporate, WAMCO, Pilsner Beer, FIRS, Mama Gold, Acatel, Nokia, among others.

After acquiring branding experience spanning over two decades, he threaded the path of entrepreneurship by founding a Brand/Strategy company BnS Concepts Limited, providing unparalleled design solutions for corporate brands.

Olumuyiwa is an alumnus of Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained H.N.D in Painting, with his MFA in view. He has attended various courses/workshops both Home and Abroad including: Heidelberg Computer Appreciation Course / Quality Assurance,Johannesburg, South Africa;“Your Guide to Sign Solutions” Johannesburg, South Africa; Sign Africa 2006, South Africa; Watercolor Workshop Studio 2018; Workshop GFA 2018; The Play Spot Studio Painting, Drawing and Photography 2019.

He has participated in over Thirty group exhibition in Nigeria, Togo, China, South Africa, Kenya and Europe. He is a member of several professional bodies amongst which are: Member of the Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA); Member of the 3^rd Black Heritage (Group of Artists); Member of African Arts Association (AfrAA); GOGE Africa Art Ambassadors 2019 (Goge Africa 20^th Anniversary)

His sterling career in arts is evidenced by the numerous awards which he has garnered over the years: Two-time Academic Press Annual Award 1992/ 1993; 3^rd MEE Memorial Arts Exhibition Award, 1992; Overall winner Visual Art Society Of Nigeria (VASON)Logo Competition, 2005; Overall winner National Award for African Regional Summit and Exhibition on Visual Arts (ARESUVA) Logo Competition, 2008; Bronze Medalist Award for CATERINA DI MEDICI 2009 ITALY; Bronze Medalist Award at the Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF) 2010 Lagos, Nigeria;Overall winner of African Arts Association (AfrAA)Logo Competition, 2019. 

NWAJIAKU UCHE

Nwajiaku Uche also known as Nwaje is an indigene of Umuoji, Idemili North, Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria. A prolific visual artist, a researcher, an historian and a writer. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, where he obtained his B.A. in Visual Arts specializing in Painting. Nwajiaku has several groups displays to his credit including the Talent for Charity held at Lagos Business School, The Orientation, The Igbo-Made Experience held at Landmark Event Center.

Nwajiaku emerged as one of the finalists at the Union Bank Centenary Art Challenge 2017. His mode of work span across drawing, painting and mixed media. He alternates from realism to naturalism and abstraction.

As an advocate of indigenous consciousness and a cultural enthusiast, in the course of his academic sojourn at the University of Lagos, Uche was a member of the Igbo Students Union, a Pan-Cultural students’ body. Nwajiaku’s work focuses more on highlighting the unique cultural identities of the Ndi Igbo as he seeks to educate, communicate and enlighten his audience with intriguing works.

EJIOFOR OGOCHUKWU

Ejiofor Ogochukwu is a visual artist. She got her BA and MFA at University of Nigeria Nsukka and University of Benin, respectively. Her art keeps revolving from painting on canvas to wall installations. Her installation works majorly centers around the use of waste paper. Waste to wealth is one of her art slogans, this keep her environment clean and every waste, useful. She is a member of several professional bodies foremost amongst them are: Society of Nigerian Artist the Association of Female Artist in Nigeria, a member of SisterArt Visual Global Community. She holds workshops for secondary School children interested in Arts and Secondary School Art teachers. Her contribution towards a sustainable environment earned her a recognition as an Alumnus of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, 2019.

She has participated in several exhibitions including: Diversiform II: A group exhibition of ten artists, 2019;Uncovered Female Nigerian Artist: Female Artist association of Nigeria in collaboration with Agama art (British village inn Abuja), 2019; October Rain: Society of Nigerian Artist (Lagos chapter) yearly group Exhibition, 2018; Female Artist Association of Nigeria south west in collaboration with The Roots: Atmosphere( celebrating Nigerians cultural Heritage), 2018; University of Benin 3rd Annual research Day : Group Art Exhibition, 2018 and a host of many others.

Ejiofor uses her time for humanitarian services when she isn’t painting as a give-back to her society with focus primarily on children, who are not as privileged as she is.

OGUNLESI PAUL

Ogunlesi Paul Oyetunde is an Expressive Realist who hails from Ogun State, Nigeria. Born on 14^th day of November, 1994 in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos, he is a graduate of the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in General Arts and a Higher National Diploma in Fine Art (majoring in Painting). His works are created from the inspirations drawn from his yesterdays. His views concerning environmental and socio-political issues, all that hovers in his environs, and his high hope in the morrow, laid out with series of countenance.

He worked as an IT student in Defactori Art Studio under Akintunde Olajide John. He has participated in different Art Workshops and Exhibitions that includes: The Art for Peace Workshop, The GFA workshop and other group exhibitions both in and outside Nigeria. His works have been collected both in Nigeria, Australia, U.K. and the U.S.

OIFIODA GIDEON

Oifioda Gideon is a visual artist cum writer, who through words and her art, communicate her thoughts bordering on different aspects of everyday human experiences. Born and raised in Lagos, ‘Fioda recently bagged her a B.A.. in Visual Arts, from the University of Lagos specializing in Painting. Employing the medium of oil as well as water media (watercolour, acrylic and ink) in her paintings, she breathes life into hitherto mundane objects, enhancing its aesthetic value and appreciation through colour. Fascinated by the play of light;she captures moods and emotions through the exploration of human faces and forms. Her professional foray into the world of art, was nurtured at the Universal Studio of Art, Iganmu, one of Nigeria’s leading art studio for burgeoning artists; where she had a one-year internship stint.

She has participated in numerous exhibitions most notably ‘Beautiful Influence’ and ‘RadX’, both in 2019. As an artist, she has volunteered professionally at Paint 4 Lives (SheBuildsLives) – an initiative which impacts grassroots community through arts.

AISHA IDIRISU

Aisha Idirisu was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She obtained her degree in Fine Art at the Ahmadu Bello University,Zaira in 2004. Over the years, she has been involved in a number of artistic endeavors. She has participated in several exhibitions, locally and internationally including: “Flow of Motherhood in Dubai” with the Female Artist Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), 2012; “Balance for Better Women Unite”,with Female Artist Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), 2019. (FEAAN) “Press for Progress, Women Move On”, America council organized Art- Atmosphere”, all in 2018. “Be bold for change women arise” with Female Artist Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) and “The Manuscript” in 2017.

Aisha served in the committees for:Children Art Competition at Neander International School,2013 & 2019; Oliver Tree Parish Auditorium Competition for Youths, 2013; NNPC Children Competition, Chevron JV Art Competition and Exhibition, 2011.

Aisha since 2014 till date, has been teaching art to children with special needs at The Learning Place. In 2013, she executed a commissioned art decor job for the Egyptian Embassy.

She has received various awards most notably “Black Heritage” painting award in 2011. Aisha’s works are widely collected here in Nigeria and abroad.

OYEKUNLE OLATUNDE

Oyekunle Olatunde hails from Ogun State,Nigeria. Born and bred in Abeokuta, he is a dexterous artist and a graduate of Fine and Applied Arts from the Federal College of Education, Osiele Abeokuta. He was the erstwhile President – School of Vocational 2014/2015 academic session.

He proceeded to the University of Lagos, Department of Creative Arts, Visual Unit where he majored in Painting. As a student, his dexterity was recognized and acknowledged with the Painter of the Year and Most Versatile Visual Artist Award in 2019.

At different times, he has practiced as an art teacher and studio artist. Beyond aesthetics, he ventilates loudly via a bright, rich and colorful application of colours from his palette aimed at documenting the diversity of human thinking, nature, day-to-day struggle for survival and preservation of these elements of our being for posterity.

SUNDAY AKPEDO

Sunday Akpedo was born and breed in Lagos. He attended Government Technical College where he studied Painting and Decoration. He had a brief stint in Art Education from 2000-2003. Having carved a niche for himself, he went into professional art practice as a full-time studio artist, majoring in Painting. He has participated in various art exhibitions including: Art on the Mainland, held at Aina Onabolu Hall, National Theatre, Lagos; Miniature group show held at Terrakulture in 2010.

Professionally, he is a member of numerous professional art bodies. In 2010, Sunday emerged 2^nd runner-up winner of the Portrait of the Patriot contest held at the Yaba College of Technology in conjunction with Light Path Gallery.

Inspired by the statement: “Art is powerful enough to bring people as one,” this artist has continually produced highly creative works which are widely collected home and abroad.

DAVID OLUSANYA OWOLABI

David Olusanya Owolabi…kneading and scorching clay in perfect harmony and beauty on the potter’s furnace. He was born in Igbaya. A native of Oreke Okegba Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, he trained as a Ceramist, painter, and sculptor at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin where he acquired N.C.E. (Fine and Applied Art in 1998).

David has featured in solo and group exhibitions which include CPAN National Exhibition of Contemporary Indigenous ceramics Abuja, 2005; World Tourism Day Expo organized by Lagos Airport Hotel Ikeja, 2006; Synergy Art Exhibition 2007, National Museum; Clay Without Bother 2008, National Museum Onikan, Lagos; Clay Without Bother 2008, Sweden / Norway, Old But Relevant (Didi Museum 2014).

Owolabi is steadily rising with many collections in his studio to carve an enduring mark of excellence in Art Education, History and Culture.

THE PROCESS IN PICTURES