The "Odyssey" retrospective exhibition of Abiodun Olaku, one of Nigeria’s most respected contemporary artists, which opened at the National Museum, Lagos on October 19, offers a compelling visual narrative that cuts across four decades of his artistic journey. The exhibition presents an amalgamation of pieces from private collections, Olaku’s personal archive, and new works available for sale, offering a panoramic view of his thematic evolution and technical mastery.
Thematic Evolution and Artistic Growth
Olaku’s early works, rooted in the rigorous tutelage of the iconic Yusuf Grillo at the Yaba College of Technology, reflect a deep reverence for naturalism and photorealism. The influence of Grillo, particularly evident in the compositional structure and palette, is showcased in works like the Eyo painting titled “Ipade”, a tribute to the legendary Lagos masquerade.
The piece demonstrates Olaku’s ability to capture texture and mood with precision, using Grillo’s characteristic triangular structure and muted mauves to pay homage to his mentor. This painting, dedicated to Grillo, serves as a bridge between tradition and the artist’s evolving voice, grounding his earlier phase and continuity.
The exhibition also reveals Olaku’s shift from his early focus on cultural themes to broader explorations of light, texture, and form. His series on the Igbo masquerade, Agbogho-Mmuo, epitomizes this transition. In works like “The Mastery of Being”, Olaku explores the grace and femininity of the masquerade, using vibrant woolen dresses and rich decorations to convey movement and celebration. Here, his mastery of various mediums—pen and ink, watercolor, and oil—is evident, showcasing a versatility that has become a hallmark of his career.
As the exhibition progresses, Olaku’s thematic palette expands to include urban and rural street scenes, architectural landmarks, and market life, demonstrating his fascination with everyday Nigerian life. Works like “Passage of Hope”, which depict Northern Nigerian city gates bathed in light, mark a distinct departure from his signature twilight and dusk scenes. The use of brighter, fresher colors while still present, is more subtle, offering a new dimension to his portrayal of light. These works highlight Olaku’s evolving interpretation of space, mood, and the passage of time—key themes that permeate his entire body of work.
Curatorial Approach
The curatorial layout of the exhibition is deliberate, guiding viewers through the different phases of Olaku’s career. Early works are placed alongside newer pieces, allowing for a comparative reflection on his artistic journey. The juxtaposition of past and present invites viewers to see the continuity in Olaku’s exploration of themes such as culture, identity, and environment, while also recognizing the shifts in his technique and palette.
The exhibition space itself is uncluttered, allowing the works to breathe and for the subtleties in Olaku’s use of light and shadow to come to the fore. This open layout enhances the immersive experience, drawing viewers into the world Olaku so meticulously constructs.
“In the works selected for this retrospective, and because it is over two decades since he presented a solo show, we decided to go back as far as when he made his first sketches in the early seventies. (You may only see some of these drawings in the catalogue because of space constraints). These drawings are the defining artistic laboratories, sources, and roots of Abiodun Olaku’s art practice. They symbolize his deep interest in the human condition as he has eloquently expressed in these visual narratives titled “Odyssey…”. Yet he concludes by reminding us that, I am a work-in-progress,” said Jerry Buhari, the curator for the exhibition.
Legacy
Olaku's place within the broader African art scene is also underscored by his role as a mentor and teacher. His involvement with the Universal Art Studios in Lagos, where he mentored young artists, is a testament to his commitment to the development of the next generation of Nigerian artists. This exhibition, therefore, is not only a reflection of Olaku’s individual achievements but also a celebration of his contributions to the growth of contemporary Nigerian art.
The Odyssey exhibition runs untill November 3
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