Working across multiple mediums, Ibrahim Bamidele draws inspiration from his immediate surroundings, personal experiences, and cultural perception. His paintings are primarily figurative, with elements of abstraction and realism. The subjects in his work are used to explore political, religious, societal, and everyday themes. His expressive painting style is distinguished by his use of Ankara and newsprint.
Courtesy of the artist.
Ibrahim Bamidele (1992) is a Nigerian visual artist whose practice is in painting and photography. He trained as an art apprentice with a local artist while he was in secondary school. He then attended Yaba College of Technology for formal art study. His works have been acquired by a number of private collectors and galleries, both locally and internationally, and can be found at galleries in Lagos, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom.
In a conversation with Omenai, Bamidele talks about what is possible in art, his process, and his artistic explorations.
How did you first become interested in art?
Ibrahim Bamidele: Art was something I had always wanted to do when I was young. So before my art degree at Yaba College of Technology, I trained as an art apprentice for five years. During this period, I found passion and joy. At Yaba College of Technology, I specialized in painting as I obtained my degrees.
Tell me about your artistic practice.
IB: In my art, you will find beautiful paintings with Ankara fabric right in the background, and different figurative expressions. I am inspired by the experiences I’ve had, the experiences of people around me, people’s daily lives, personal touch, identity, and issues that actually cut across the daily living.
Courtesy of the artist.
How did getting a formal education in art help with your artistic practice?
IB: In school, I found my love for materials. I discovered my love for patterns, figures, and bright colours. School connected me with the main art movements that influenced my art; the Renaissance, the Baroque, and the Rococo art movement. One thing that stood out to me with the works from this movement is the detailing that goes into the work as emotions are being represented.
Since leaving school, I have felt the need to deviate from what the norm was. I have experimented across different mediums albeit limited, and it has opened me to art. I like using colorful materials in my art. It was my love for patterns that led me to the use of the Ankara fabrics in my work.
Who are your biggest influences at this stage of your artistic career? In what ways have these artists shaped you?
IB: Artists that have influenced my art include Dutch painter Rembrandt, Spanish artist Gabriel Moreno, and Afro-Cuban American artist Harmonia Rosales. African artists like Kehinde Wiley, Yinka Shonibare, and Marcellina Akpojotor have contributed greatly to what I do now. When I was in school, I actually studied Shonibare and Akpojotor’s work in my own extra time.
What materials do you use right now?
IB: I enjoy playing with the different materials, especially fabrics, I use in my work. Before now, I was working with acrylic and fabrics. At this time, I have moved to acrylic ink and fabrics. In the coming days, I might move to drawing with pencils or exploring more multimedia materials. I really enjoy pasting and collaging.
Courtesy of the artist.
Tell me about your process of creating a new artwork.
IB: Creating a new work is like, first of all, I have this idea. I want to communicate. It comes like an image in my mind. Then I get models, often people around me, to pose for me to portray the idea I have in my mind. I take several pictures until I get what I need and then I make a better composition out of it.
Tell me what your favourite (3) works are, and why?
IB: As I keep producing, I get to find more favourites. Currently, my favourite works are Adam in Thought, In Life Mould, and Starry Night.
Courtesy of the artist.
What are your future aspirations and goals as an artist?
IB: I am working to have a solo exhibition in the next two years. Although I’ve been gaining international grounds and many of my works are sold internationally, I have done a lot of group exhibitions but I am yet to have a solo exhibition, in Nigeria and abroad.
I would like to do more compositions in my art practice. My long-term goal as an artist is for my work to be studied. I want people to come back to my work years later and look at my exceptional creations.
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you are particularly excited about?
IB: I have a group exhibition coming up at 1-54 London with my art agency, The African Art Hub, this year. It is happening in October.
Iyanuoluwa Adenle is a Nigerian art writer, essayist, and poet based in Lagos. She is currently the head writer at Omenai. Adenle has contributed to a number of art publications, including Tender Photo, Art News Africa, Pavillon 54, and Omenai.
