I see it , 2020
Oluwole Omofemi, born Godwin Oluwole Omofemi, is an international artist who hails from Edo south in Nigeria. He was born in the ancient city of Ibadan where his artistic talent sprang to life and received the nourishment of older artists. Omofemi shared his early life with his grandfather who was a major influence and wanted him to become an electrician. As a child, Omofemi loved to display his creativity through infantile drawings on the floor. He not only experienced a measure of hardship in his childhood, but also faced lonely spells. These further helped to deepen his artistic vision and provided sources of materials for his creativity. Nostalgically, Omofemi’s childhood experiences in the inner streets of Ibadan shaped his artist vision. However, he spent part of his childhood in Edo state of Nigeria, when his mother was estranged. She took him to Etsako, Agenebode – a fishing community in a coastal region. Here, he lived as a fishmonger. Omofemi’s mother, together with young Omofemi, later reunited with his grandfather. He later went to live with his paternal grandfather. In his early years, Omofemi was propelled to hawk beer; he used a part of his earnings to buy drawing books in order to kickstart his artistic career. He later acquired a wheelbarrow to facilitate his beer business. The hustle of the Ibadan metropolis, especially the popular Dugbe Market, were factors that imbued him with creative impulses and inspired his artistic imagination. He later met an artist, from whom he acquired some first-hand informal artistic skills. Omofemi was later recognized as one of the best artists at his Junior Secondary School – Community Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan. Tope Fatunbi was the first professional artist who helped clear the path for Omofemi’s artistic career. His strength as an artist lies in showcasing human figures; and this is a skill he has steadily honed on the professional turf. His chosen media are oil and acrylic with preference for oil. Omofemi’s first exhibition was at the National Museum, Ibadan, Nigeria. He has since exhibited internationally. Omofemi’s mind continues to resonate with childhood experiences that proved material for his arts. He received his Higher National Diploma from the Polytechnic of Ibadan. Omofemi has always wanted to deploy art to better the lot of the underprivileged, to showcase African fashion and feminine charm, and to bring about the rediscovery of afrocentric pride. His works are widely collected in Nigeria and abroad.