Meet Ifeoluwa Alade

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ifeoluwa Alade a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Being optimistic became the only option because of my background and upbringing. I grew up in a community where it is believed that a lazy man deserves no food or pity. This Yoruba proverb, “isé ni ògùn ìsé” which means that ‘work is the antidote for poverty’, was a slogan I held dearly while growing up. That among other mantras have indented the industrious, and never-relenting spirit in me.

My parents also played a significant role in my becoming. My mom will always say that she really desires and will ensure all her children learn a vocational trade which would afford them to get established and make a living on their own should there be no other means.

My meeting with Jonathan Imafidor who was also my lecturer in my second year of study at Obafemi Awolowo University ile-ife Nigeria played a critical role in my optimistic art journey-  His mentorship instilled hope in me for the road. Aside from his contribution to improve my skill, he has also been an encouragement and reference that the future holds great possibilities.

He was not just a lecturer to me, he was a proof that hard-working pays.

I’m ifeoluwa Alade, a Nigerian Artist. I grew up in Oyo town and had my first degree in Fine Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University, ile-ife Nigeria. I developed interest in art from a very young age even though this was  restricted to copying illustrations from textbooks and cartoons from magazines.

My artworks are like a diary publicly displayed for viewers to read and interact with hoping that someone would see a page written in the faintest ink of my heart. It is a pleasure to know that people resonate with my story and I am more excited and fulfilled when I receive messages from different people, telling me how much they could relate with my works.

My Painting as a diary is where I freely communicate my feelings unhindered. Sometimes, I try to withhold certain information knowing that this diary is for public consumption yet my emotions have Always reflected in most pieces.

My works evolve around the theme of relationship and symbolism between two entities. My most recent solo exhibition “wings and petals” was largely inspired by the connection and interaction in relationships as a pure form of human existence. The works display a unique approach to viewing relationships as a form of wealth worth cherishing. I was able to communicate mutual benefits in relationships by using butterflies and flowers as case study.

The philosophy behind my style is from my belief that humans are not a product of singular entities as they physically appear. Everybody has stories, events, experiences, feelings, ideas and thoughts as fragments that are now combined together to shape and form them to be who they are today. I believe that this should be well respected while dealing with people.

I have participated in several exhibitions and Art fairs within and outside the country including the prestigious LA Art fair, Los Angeles (2021- 2023), Scope art show, Miami (2021) and two Solo exhibitions with Abend gallery, USA.

This is a very key discussion to dive in. Early this year, I had the opportunity to be on the panel of speakers, addressing the 2023 graduating Art students of the university of Obafemi Awolowo. During this session, I made a few points that I think address this;

1. Mentorship.

2. Diligence.

3. Network of like minds.

The impact of having a mentor (physical or virtual) cannot be overemphasized as it will help to scale up the practice in a shorter period and will also help to overcome unforeseen challenges and avoidable career mistakes. The most effective part would be, having a studio visit session with your mentor where you will have the opportunity to get answers to questions bordering on your practice.

A mentor will help you to see what the path to the future looks like.

– Diligence is diligence as it is, you just have to be all out for what you do. It’s like a process to fan-to-flame your talent. It will make you attentive to details. Diligence will also help to keep and manage a career at the point of success.

– Networking with like minds is critical, as it will help you to keep the fire burning and to never slow down. Criticism in this circle could be very helpful if managed well. Your network will give you access to information and opportunities.

God has been my all in all, He has made my path cross with friends and people that have impacted me in different ways. A man can be like a light in a lamp, placed on a candlestick, giving light to the world avoiding its own feet.

With key relationships in my life, I have been able to make the right adjustments to growth and make corrections to become better.

My parents were my first authority figures instrumental in instilling good character, mindset and lifestyle I developed which I am most grateful for.

My mentor, Jonathan Imafidor opened my eyes to possibilities of what my art could birth. He helped me to improve my artistic skill, and gave me opportunities for jobs.

Joseph Idowu, who was my course rep and my room mate in the art school. He is now a successful artist and we are still practicing together in the same apartment. He has been all time available and helpful in seeing that i create a balance in managing so many things. I am grateful for these relationships.