Page 47 - UZOMA EKPECHAM Art Collection Vol 1 Updated

Babajide Olatunji Ebenezer Akinola

Babajide attended Obafemi Awolowo University, where he studied Botany but also Ebenezer was born December 1st, 1968 in Ibadan, Nigeria. A Fine Arts graduate from the
focused on improving his artistry by watching videos on YouTube. A self-taught artist, University of Benin with B.A (Painting). He worked as a teacher at Holy Child Secondary
Olatunji drew portraits of popular personalities such as Ramsey Noah and Asa, displaying School, Lagos in 1991 and later moved to Birrel Avenue High School, Lagos. He left
them on campus to market himself. teaching in 1993 to join Insight Communications Ltd, Lagos, for two years. In 1994, he put
The hyper-realist painter whose drawings have left many astounded has become a a stop to paid employment and started his full time studio practice which he has remained
sensation with his tribal mark series. The tribal mark series, inspired by the scarification commitment to till date.
marks found among some tribes in Nigeria, especially among the Yorubas, has set the He has participated in various solo and group exhibitions, to mention few: 2012
artists apart. 'Nothing But The Truth', Mydrim Gallary, Ikoyi, Lagos, 2011'Nigeria, Our Nigeria,
His art could easily be mistaken for pictures, considering how detailed the drawings Presidential Inauguration Exhibition', Shehu Musa Yar'adua Center, Abuja Nigeria, 2010
are. Olatunji's early works were in graphite on paper, and the the tribal mark series is coal 'Lasting Impressions' (solo) Signature Gallery Lagos, Nigeria, 2009 'stepping Into
on paper. Universality', Universal Studios Of Art Lagos, Nigeria, 'The First Nigeria Giclee
With his career just taking off and more projects lined up, the sky is certainly the limit for Exhibition', Hue Concept/terraculture, Lagos, Nigeria. 2007 'miniature Art Fair',
Olatunji. Framemaster Lagos, Nigeria, 2005 'national Blackart Fair', New York City, USA. 2004
Olatunji is also known as the dancing artist. The videos on Olatunji's Instagram page show 'Akinola Ebenezer And Buck Brown', Nicole Gallery, Chicago USA. 2004 'National Black
him sporting an afro and wearing shorts with paint brushes in his hands and classical music Art Fair', New York City Usa. 2003 'Décor Expo Atlanta', Georgia, USA, 2003 'Art
or jazz playing. In his latest video, the artist features drawing a portrait of Fela Kuti and Philadelphia', Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA, 2003 'recent Paintings' Steelelife Gallery,
dancing to the afrobeat sounds of the legend. Other videos show Olatunji listening to jazz, Chicago USA, 1998 'Trilogy : Akinola Ebenezer, Alice Gatewood-Wadell And Carol
the intensity of the music turning him to a temporary orchestra conductor. Vanterpool', Nicole Gallery, Chicago, USA, 1996 'Life: Slices And Spices',
Music has always been a part of the artist's work regime. It puts him in a creative He has also executed special commissions like: Portrait Of President Nnamdi
and he draws for nine hours or more when he's inspired. The dancing artist looks up to Mohammed Alli Azikiwe, National Gallery Of Art, Nigeria, Portrait Of President Abdulsalami Abubakar,
artists from the Rennaisance and Romantics period. National Gallery Of Art, Nigeria, Portrait Of President Olusegun Obasanjo, National
Gallery Of Art, Nigeria.
Ebenezer bagged several awards like Fasuyi Art Prize For The Best Student In Road still far...
Painting In Final Year Exam, University Of Benin, 1989, Departmental Prize For The Best
Student In Fine Art Dept, University Of Benin in 1989 and Schorlaship For The Best
Student In Painting In 300l, University Of Benin in 1988. 40.5 x 68 inches
He is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) and the Guild of Professional Oil on canvas
Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA). 2016

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