Kolade Oshinowo, (b. Nigeria, 1948) Signed and Dated, 2012 (Lower Right) Mixed media on canvas 61

Kolade Oshinowo, (b. Nigeria, 1948) Signed and Dated, 2012 (Lower Right) Mixed media on canvas 61 x 91cm (24 x 35.8in)

Framed

Kolade Oshinowo, who was born in Ibadan in 1948, is one of Nigeria`s most respected artists. An influential arts educator and mentor to younger artists as well as a prolific painter, he has held numerous solo shows and participated in over sixty group exhibitions over a long and increasingly successful career.

Oshinowo engages with a wide range of issues and some of his works are a response to social and political problems. The celebration of women is one of his main inspirations and his paintings of Nigerian women, more recently incorporating strips of fabric, are immediately recognisable. Oshinowo`s women are not victims - his focus is on the celebration of confident, strong as well as beautiful African women flourishing in a challenging environment.

Oshinowo writes: "The Red Beads is a celebration of the African woman. Often the African woman, is seen from the point of view of an enslaved, oppressed and depressed individual due to so many factors that includes some cultural and traditional beliefs. But I believe in the glorification of women. I try most times to celebrate and highlight the beauty of the African woman enhanced by her traditional costumes and accessories. This is in addition to her significant contribution to her family, community and humanity at large. The red beads are worn during festivals, celebrations and other rare occasions. The painting is a mixed media work exploring the use of fabric waste collected from fashion designers and tailors. Its overall blue hue is complimented by the red colour of the beads.”

Oshinowo has been the recipient of several awards including the World Cultural Council Award of Diploma in recognition of artistic contributions to humanity. His work has been exhibited widely in Nigeria. Click here to view Catalogue