Paul Ayihawu

Lost Years 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Restoration, Mixed Media

2022 - 2024

In 2020, amidst the lockdown's intensity, my art journey ignited professionally. With ample time to delve deep, I explored figurative painting and abstract drawings until early 2022. I created a different series of paintings, one standout series, "Black, Bold, and Beautiful," celebrated the radiant essence of black women through six vibrant portraits clad in Ankara suits. While one found a home with a collector in Tel Aviv, the rest lingered in my studio. Two years on, a spark ignites within me to revisit this series, infusing it with the evolved narrative that aligns and fits into the conversation my works now engage in as a Contemporary Gospeller. The notions of “Restoration and restitution” weigh heavily in my heart, reflecting on personal and global scales. While global discourse focuses on returning stolen artefacts from Africa back to their origins, my perspective delves deeper into the restoration of lost time and purpose. My point of view on Restoration and Restitution is from this notion that man can lose years of his life in futility, and when the time of profit comes, it occurs mostly at the brink of life. A profound scripture, "I'll restore the years that the locust has eaten," resonates deeply, offering a beacon of hope amidst perceived futility. When I read this verse, it distinctly jumped out at me. Wow! Years can be restored! There is hope! To make this revisiting more contextual, I look out for material which can be regarded as “used-up”, “less-value”, or “wasted” - then it appears to me that Jute sack fits into this context! The Jute sack stands for the lost years of glory, having exchanged hands from one country to another before ending up in my studio to take a new life, different from what it has been used for. Thus, the series finds renewal through the symbolism of jute bags...

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...

Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) "Innocence" is a captivating artwork that evokes a sense of empathy and reflection. The central figure, a woman, stands as a representation of someone who has been wrongly accused and unfairly painted with guilt. Oladapo's skilled brushwork brings forth the emotions of sorrow, pain, and resilience, creating a visually striking piece. The woman's expression carries a mix of sadness and determination, reflecting the weight of the false accusations. The use of vibrant red in the painting symbolizes the intense emotions and turmoil she has experienced. The artist's attention to detail, particularly in capturing the subtle nuances of her facial expression, adds depth and authenticity to the artwork. "Innocence" highlights the profound impact that false accusations can have on an individual's life and psyche. The emphasis on being "painted red" with lies alludes to the damaging effect of baseless accusations, which can tarnish one's reputation and cause immense pain. The artwork also emphasizes the resilience and strength required to maintain one's truth in the face of adversity. The woman's unwavering gaze and the determination in her expression portray her refusal to be defined by false accusations. She stands as a symbol of the human spirit's ability to rise above injustice and assert one's innocence. Through "Innocence," Oladapo reminds us of the importance of embracing our authenticity and standing firm in our truth, even when faced with unfounded allegations. It urges viewers to question the validity of accusations and to seek justice and understanding, both for themselves and others who may have experienced similar hardships. Agboola Oladapo...

‘Retrospection’ is a poignant and introspective piece that invites viewers to step into the world of memories, emotions, and past experiences. The title, aptly chosen, suggests a loo...

In “Immortelle”, the juxtaposition of purple and green panels commands attention, enhancing the rich depth of the subject’s dark skin. The figure, adorned in a red plaid garment, exu...

“Nostalgie Noire” is characterised by its bold use of color and geometric patterns. The subject, with intense, captivating eyes, gazes directly at the viewer, her expression imbued w...

“Liens Profonds” captures an intimate moment of connection between two figures against a geometric backdrop of blue, pink, and green checkerboard patterns. The duo, dressed in bold y...

“Echo des Racines”, or "Echo of the roots", captures a poised individual against a vivid, geometric backdrop. The subject, with hair styled in textured twists, commands attention. Th...