Lines, Pencils and Acrylic with Ademola Sunday

Ademola Sunday is a non-expressionist contemporary artist who invariably explores different mediums to express different emotions. Ademola is a semi-abstract painter, with semi-abstraction meaning not fully abstract. This means that Ademola Sunday explores figurations and normal human figures with a blend of abstraction. Ademola Sunday is a native of Oyo state, but resides in Lagos.

Initially, Ademola began with drawing, studying lines, shapes, forms, textures, before he moved into painting proper.

Ademola expresses that mixing colours was hard at first. “I had to self-discover, give myself tasks  and source for solutions by myself, at which time I was exposed to all aspects of art; graphics, sculpting, painting and fashion. I was more at peace with painting, so it stuck with me.”

Studying Art and Industrial design helped Ademola Sunday transcend the stressful learning phase, until it became much easier. Ademola has been an artist for close to five years now.

What Inspired You. Any Notable Figures or things?

The art of painting began speaking to Ademola during his training, mid-university level. He got bedazzled by pencils and markings by some of his colleagues and so, drew closer to them, wanting to know how a work of pencil could be so beautiful and captivating.

Mr Abiodun Olaku, one of the sources of Ademola’s inspiration is into pictorial composition, juxtaposing different images and making them into one.

Another of Ademola's muse, Mr Edosa Ogiugo is an impressionistic and a realistic artist.

“After my degree, Mr. Abiodun Azeez, and Mr. Abimbade Bidemi, a pure abstractionist and a neo-expressionist respectively, contributed to my inspiration.”

What has been the Most Challenging Thing About Your Journey as an Artist?

Self-doubt has been a major restriction in Ademola's journey as an artist, sourcing for expensive materials, as well as selling his work of art and finding an audience peculiar to his niche, has also been a challenge.

In Ademola's words, “It is extra hard for people to relate to arts that are not common.”

How do You Get in Touch with Gallery Owners and Exhibition Curators?

Ademola is of the belief that it is important to have good networking skills in order to get in touch with these people. He tries to go for events, workshops and the likes.

A key figure in Ademola's networking journey is Bruce Onobrakpeyea. A 90 year old icon, who organizes a workshop called “harmattan workshop.” This workshop brings curators, collectors and artists.

What is your Opinion on the Creative Economy?

To Ademola, the creative industry is a laudable setting which is thriving buoyantly. Ademola strongly feels that the creative industry is not much appreciated in Nigeria, as against her counterparts across the world. However, Ademola holds very strong beliefs that it will get better.

What is Your Take on Collaborations, and what Collaborations are you Looking Forward to?

Ademola believes that the art of collaboration is a fantastic platform that aids individual promotion as well as networking. He expresses that he is open to collaborating with more established visual creators.

What is Your Overarching Goal for Your Work?

Ademola's work of art offers a reflection on the human experience. He aims to create art that will draw viewers from all walks of life to contemplate the complexities and  nuances of life, identity and culture. Art that speaks to people differently; Art that speaks on environmental advocacy and preserves African heritage.

What are Your Top Three Favourite Projects?

Boroju mi, o rokan mie is a unique piece of one of Ademola's expressions, which he tagged “exploration to the unusual visuals.” This is one piece that communicates unique information dependent on the viewer.

While It Last is another favourite piece of Ademola's expressions. It is also part of the “exploration to the unusual visuals.

Void. Ademola expresses that Void was made from the acrylic and acrylic marker on canvas. Giving Void  a first glance, one is unable to properly articulate the thoughts that come with seeing Void.

Lines, pencils and acrylic on canvas, Ademola Sunday is a neo expressionist who seeks to convey relatable stories and ideas by juxtaposing semi abstraction with figurative expressions. You can reach Ademola Sunday on Instagram @ademola_Sunday1