Introduction:
Olajide is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in storytelling, cultural memory, and emotional truth. By blending intuition with intention, his art delves into themes of identity, displacement, and resilience which is often guided by music, mood and lived experience. With a style that flows freely across expressionist and experimental forms, He creates pieces that speak with quiet intensity and bold honesty.
Arist Bio:
Olajide Adekola is a self taught Nigerian visual artist and banker whose work is inspired by personal experiences, music, and social issues. Embracing a free, fluid style often anchored by a dominant color, he creates art that connects deeply with viewers and sparks reflection. Though yet to hold a formal exhibition, he has painted live on stage and competed in online art contests, contributing his authentic voice to the evolving landscape of contemporary African art.
Q and A segment with Olajide Adekola
Q1: Can you tell us about your early creative life? What shaped your artistic worldview?
A: From the tender age when my hands first met paper, drawing wasn't merely a pastime; it was an innate language, a profound conduit for self-expression. As I navigated the complexities of growing up, art became my anchor, a vital lens through which I could process and comprehend the world unfolding around me. My artistic worldview, therefore, was not born in isolation but meticulously sculpted by everyday experiences, the rhythms of music, and the immersive environment that cradled my existence. These profound influences continue, even now, to form the very bedrock of my evolving creative voice.
Q2: How would you describe your artistic style and medium? What draws you to the approaches you use?
A: I don’t confine myself to a single artistic style. I enjoy the freedom to explore, letting the emotion behind each piece guide my process. A dominant color often appears in my work, and that becomes the emotional anchor that captures the feeling I want to express. For me, creating art is deeply personal. It’s about forming a real connection with both my subject and the viewer, free from strict rules or formalities.
Q3: If you have exhibited your art publicly or privately, can you tell us about that experience and what you learned from it?
A: While I haven’t had a formal exhibition yet, it’s something I look forward to. I’ve had the chance to paint live on stage multiple times. Each performance has been an exciting mix of spontaneity and connection. Along with taking part in online art competitions, these moments taught me the power of being present and the unique energy that comes from engaging with an audience in real time. It helped me trust the process and speak through my art without needing words.
Title: Reality
Q4: What moment in your artistic journey would you consider a breakthrough? What is the story behind it?
A: A defining moment in my journey was when I sold my phone just to travel to Lagos for art supplies. It might seem extreme, but it marked the point where art stopped being a side passion and became a true calling. That trip showed me how far I was willing to go and reminded me that real growth often comes with sacrifice.
Q5: How does your cultural heritage or environment influence the work you create today?
A: My Nigerian background plays a huge role in my work. There is so much rhythm, resilience, and richness in our culture, and I try to carry that into my art. Whether it’s in the stories I tell, the music that inspires me, or the social realities I engage with, my environment constantly speaks through my work.
Q6: Can you describe a piece you struggled with either emotionally or technically? And how did you overcome the struggle?
A: There was a particular piece where I tried to capture the pain of displacement and loss. It took a lot out of me emotionally, because it came from personal experience and stories I had heard. I had to step away and return to it over time. The turning point came when I let go of trying to perfect it and instead focused on being honest with the message. That shift made all the difference.
Q7: What emotions or responses do you hope your audience experiences when viewing your work?
A: I want my art to make people feel seen and understood. Whether it’s joy, struggle, reflection, or resilience, I hope my work connects with something real in the viewer. More than just appreciating the piece, I want them to leave with a deeper awareness about themselves or the world they live in.
Title: inside the Box
Q8: Who or what has inspired your creative voice? Artists, life events, cultural movements?
A: My voice has been shaped by life, by the twists and turns of my personal journey, the sacrifices I’ve made, and the growth that has come through both struggle and triumph. Every phase of my life has added a new layer to how I see and interpret the world around me.
Music and social issues also play a significant role in shaping my creative direction. The rhythm and mood of music often guide the flow of my process, helping me tap into emotions that words alone can’t express. I’m drawn to the stories people carry, and I try to give those stories a voice through my work.
Q9: How do you think your work fits into contemporary African art and its future?
A: I believe my work adds to the evolving conversation of African art by focusing on authentic, lived experiences. There’s a shift happening where more artists are telling their truths, and I’m proud to be part of that movement. I aim to contribute by keeping the focus on everyday realities and shared humanity.
Q10: What advice would you offer to emerging artists seeking their creative identity?
A: To young artists starting out: don’t wait for permission. Begin right where you are, with whatever tools you have. Your artistic identity is not something you discover all at once. It unfolds gradually as you keep creating. Be open to learning and growth but always stay true to your voice.
Title: Thalassemia
Q11: What kind of legacy do you hope your art leaves behind, especially within the African and global art scenes?
A: I hope my art becomes a voice for the unheard, a space where those who feel overlooked or silenced can find some part of their story reflected at them. At the same time, I want it to serve as a mirror for those searching for connection, healing, or simply a sense of being seen. Whether it speaks to someone’s joy, pain, questions, or resilience, I want my work to meet people where they are and remind them that their experiences matter. Ultimately, I want to leave behind a legacy of honesty, empathy, and courage that connects people, sparks reflection, and stands as a witness to its time.
CONCLUSION:
Olajide’s journey is a testament to the power of intentional creativity. Art that does not just decorates but disrupts, questions, and heals. His work challenges us to look closer, and to engage with stories that might otherwise go unheard. Through every brushstroke, he invites us to sit with the unseen, to feel what is often ignored, and to rediscover the humanity we share. As his journey continues to unfold, it remains clear that Olajide is carving out space for stories that matter. In doing so, he reminds us that true impact lies not in how loud your voice is, but in how deeply it resonates.
