Mydrim Gallery’s Future Masters Series Returns with Six Artists

Yinka Olatunbosun

Generations: The Future Masters Series is back at the Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi. The show which features six mid-career and emerging artists has been an annual tradition. Now in its sixth edition, the exhibition which opens on August 19 features works by Adebiyi Ayobami, Christian Okwanake, Olumide Daniel, Obeka Simon, Stanley Ugonabo and Taiwo Owoyemi.

One of the curators for the show, David Oluwatoyin revealed why this annual visual art tradition is one of the gallery’s highlights.

“The platform is given to young artists who are skillful, possessing incredible talents and good draughtsmen as there has been a decline in such regards in the art space.”

At a recent press preview on the show, three of the six exhibiting artists spoke glowingly of their works and the inspiration behind their individual craft. One of them, Olumide Daniel Olukayode is a figurative artist whose thematic preoccupation comprises human lifestyle, feelings and emotions. With eight pieces, he is set to take the viewer on a thought-provoking experience. With the piece titled ‘Who the cap fits,’ he paints a picture of an oversized cap which is symbolic in raising questions about taking responsibilities that are bigger than one’s age.

Using himself as a case study, he-being the first son- assumes a father figure role in his family. The Fine Art graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University is largely influenced by mentors such as Abiodun Olaku, Bunmi Babatunde and Salako Babajide all of whom he met during internship at the Universal Studio of Art

Likewise, Adebiyi Ayobami who studied Arts and Industrial Design at the Lagos State Polytechnic made a career decision under the influence of the mentors at the Universal Studio of Art. He started off his career as a painter but seamlessly embraced sculpting during his industrial training programme.

His work titled ‘Ecstasy’ represents his optimistic view of life despite adversity and challenges.

“The thought behind that is that no matter the condition in this life, you have to make yourself happy. was already doing art before formal training in art. There are lots of modestly dressed women in my works and I also use that to pass a message to society.

Okwanake who hails from Anambra state began art practice as a form of therapy to escape from bullying by his older siblings. Born and raised in Ibadan, the last of eight children studied Architecture at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, graduating in 2016.

“I have worked in interior design companies, construction and as a storyboard artist for a music producer. I do arts and architectural designs in 3D. Storyboard for movies. I have my own cartoon series which has been running since 2012- Architect Chike which is my alter ego,’’ he said.

Growing up in a large household meant that he had to find his own utopia in the midst of chaos. He started sketching around the house and the neighborhood.

“I wanted oil but it was expensive. So, I started using watercolour. At first, my painting was terrible. I was in my internship stage but I saw an exhibition which featured Ibe Ananaba, Segun Adejumo and Abiodun Olaku. I started working harder on my skills. I didn’t even know then that they sell art. I just paint and keep it in the house. I started trying out other materials. When I could afford to buy oil, my first painting was my dad. I was never encouraged. I had brothers who could paint better than I was but they all stopped because art was not considered as a career. But I was a last born, and after a while, they let me be.”

The result is a portfolio of beautiful water colour paintings that capture nolstagia and explore cultural memory. His work titled ‘Ten Ten’ exemplifies the everyday life of children in Nigeria and holds a childhood memory for the artist who drew a parallel with Japan’s Squid game.

Stanley Ugonabo, a graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka works predominantly in oil. His art has evolved over the years and has always involved exploring realist and surrealist forms while cleverly manipulating the human anatomy to tell stories laden with energy and empathy. Some of his works include ‘Persecution I-V,’ and ‘Things Unseen.’

With Taiwo Owoyemi, exploring discarded materials is an asset. The graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife uses junk aluminium cans of different shapes, sizes and colours to produce beautiful artworks using the repousse assemblage sculpture technique.

Obeka, a Fine Art graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria is an optimist and this shows in his body of works which hold deeper meanings. Titles such as “You have been my only friend” and “It’s You Against You” revolve around self-conversation and personal will.
This show runs till September 4.