An Amalgam of Art and Nature in Segun Alonge’s Eternal Bond

Yinka Olatunbosun

A powerful blend of art and environmental consciousness defines the latest works by Segun Alonge, a renowned impressionist artist, as he unveils his much-anticipated solo exhibition, “Eternal Bond.” Known for his vibrant use of colour and detailed textures, Alonge has spent over 20 years perfecting his craft, creating works that bring human figures and nature to life. This exhibition which opens on December 1st will run through December 14 at Fobally Art World Africa, Ekate Lagos, and aims to spark conversations about the deep and essential connection between humanity and plants.

Alonge’s work for Eternal Bond emphasises the undeniable ties between humans and plants. “Plants can live without us, but we can’t survive without them,” he says. His paintings explore themes of green energy, environmental preservation, and the dangers of deforestation. Through mixed media and acrylic on canvas, Alonge portrays the importance of protecting plants for a cleaner, healthier ecosystem.

One standout piece is “Glimpse”, a painting that merges human features with the imagery of leaves. “I used leaves to form a human face to show how our existence relies on plants,” Alonge explains. This work is one of 15 pieces in the Eternal Bond series, which headlines the exhibition. Two other series, Emergence and Elysium, will also be featured, bringing the total number of showcased works to 40.

A fine art graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and Birmingham City University, England, Alonge has built a reputation as a master artist. He has participated in several group exhibitions, including the notable +234 Art Fair in Lagos. With Eternal Bond, Alonge cements his place as both an exceptional artist and an advocate for environmental preservation.

Fobally Art World Africa has designed the exhibition to be more than just a visual experience. Folasade Abiola, Founder and Creative Director of Fobally, describes it as “an educative art exhibition” with a range of activities aimed at fostering awareness and engagement.

Highlights of the show includes Artists Talk: Panel discussions, December 6th and 13th, will center on the theme Art as a Catalyst for Environmental Awareness.

There will be a ‘Sip and Paint’ session where visitors can unleash their creativity, and will run for eight days within the exhibition period. There will also be Live Painting sessions on December 1st, 4th, and 12th, giving attendees a glimpse into his artistic process.

Finally, Guided Tours during the exhibition.These will immerse viewers in the intricate details of Alonge’s colourful depictions of nature and humanity. It’s open to Art enthusiasts, collectors, environmentalists, and the general public.

Mr. Larry Segun-Lean, Chairman of Fobally Art World Africa, echoed Abiola’s remarks and stressed the need for action against deforestation and global warming.

“Human activities have caused chaos in our environment, depleting the ozone layer. Eternal Bond serves as a call to action for sustainable practices,” he said.

He welcomes viewers to the exhibition reminding them of a world with climate change challenges. “Eternal Bond offers a thought-provoking blend of creativity and activism. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with art and nature in a profound way,” he says.