Okunade Olamilekan: Reframing Identity Through Pixilated Abstract Form

Okunade Olamilekan is a contemporary Nigerian artist whose work explores the intersection of structure, identity, and abstraction. Known for his striking use of geometric patterns, constructivist forms, and pixelated detail, Olamilekan creates pieces that are both visually intricate and conceptually layered. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, his art reflects a deep engagement with modern form while echoing cultural memory. Through every line, grid, and hue, he invites viewers to see beyond the surface into patterns of thought, emotion, and collective experience.

How did Your Journey into Contemporary Art Begin?

My journey into contemporary art started with curiosity and creativity. As a child, I saw the world through forms and colors and felt a strong desire to express myself visually. A defining moment in my journey came when I realized that those around me could find meaning in my work. Seeing people interpret unique, personal messages in my work helped me realize that this is my purpose.

Was there a Moment you realized Geometry and Structure would become Central to Your Work?

Yes, during hard times in art school, I participated in house construction sites to make ends meet, so, seeing images in interlock bricks pushed me to bring out a little idea from something that only my inner eyes could see and perceive. Therefore this style can be said to have been inspired by how the interlocking bricks were laid.

What does being a Nigerian artist mean to you and how does it influence your style?

Being a Nigerian artist means embracing a rich cultural heritage. I was born in the southwest part of Nigeria—Lagos State. I am from Ota in Ogun state. My works are strongly influenced by my family, especially my mother, who is a fashion designer and a cloth weaver and my father, who is a blacksmith and a local artist.

Your Work Blends Geometry, Constructivism, and Pixilation in such a Unique way—how would you Describe Your Artistic Voice?

My art is a tribute, an embodiment of strength, resilience, and quiet but powerful stories that shape my socio-relatable and subconscious community. As a son raised single-handedly by a single mother, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, perseverance, and unwavering love that defined and shaped a typical African child's upbringing. All my experiences with my mother and the women that surround me influence my work, fueling my exploration of identity, struggle, and beauty found in women's resilience. Through bold colors, intricate geometric patterns, and layered composition, I tell my stories of women's strength.

What Drew you Specifically to these Styles and Forms of Abstraction?

Pixelated geometry art is so fascinating! The way a rectangular piece of shapes combines to form a solid architectural structure, the patterns create a unique visual language.

Are there any African or Global Artists who Influenced Your Approach to Structure and Form?

Yes! As a pixelation artist, I’ve often turned to Pablo Picasso’s Cubist works for inspiration. His groundbreaking approach has helped me refine my vision of using interlocked bricks as a distinct artistic style. Sam Ebohon is another great Nigerian artist I greatly respect.

What Role does Precision or Imperfection Play in Your Pieces?

Precision and imperfection are two tools that guided my work, precision reflects my intentions, how I felt about a particular piece, and why I put my story out there. Imperfection has made me see life in colors not just a stagnant cycle, imperfection has made me embrace process and growth, it also makes me more human, I feel a deeper connection to beauty and its presence in a purest unfiltered form

How do you Balance Digital Themes like Pixilation with the Physicality of Acrylic on Canvas?

My idea of pixelation it's my way of breaking the image into its smaller units and then rebuilding it in colors, forms, and shapes. Simply put, balancing the digital theme with the physicality of acrylic on canvas in a digital world is my way of grounding pixelated images into a textured work of art that feels seen, real and touchy.

Do your Patterns and Compositions Carry Deeper Meanings or Stories, or are they Meant to Challenge Perception?

My work pattern and composition carry meaning, they are not just images, and most of my work comes from my subconscious thinking. Even though they are meant to challenge the perception of how people see women in the patriarchal world, they still carry deeper African symbols that have deeper interpretations.

How do you want People to Feel when they View Your Work?

I paint my story in such a way that invite them to linger, question and relate with it on seen. I want them to be curious, to have a deep connection with my works, and I want the work to spark an emotion in them.

Do you feel the Nigerian Art Scene Embraces Experimental and Abstract Styles Enough?

Nigeria’s abstract art industry is growing every day; the industry has become an experimentation ground so far and it's also evolving. Even thou abstract and conceptual art requires a different kind of engagement, which not everyone is ready for the shift yet to come, but I've seen curators and collectors embrace bold and unconventional abstract work more. So yes, they do, but not everyone in Nigeria does recently. I must add that Nigeria’s art scene is you used to normal and popular art styles. It is really difficult to be accepted as an experimental artist, but the abstract industry keeps pushing until acceptance comes.

What are your thoughts on the Evolution of Contemporary Art in Nigeria today?

First of all, I commend Nigerian artists, including myself, for pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional materials and not just sitting by the book alone. The evolution has caught the attention of the global art world too. Nigeria’s art scene now has a vibrant future, just only more institutional funds, support are needed to match the creative aura of the creators emerging from it.

How do you Hope Your Work Contributes to the Global Conversation around African contemporary art?

I hope to show that African art is not static or bound by history and norms, I want my work to put the contemporary African art on a visible platform of intellectual and emotionally powerful pieces not just colour or mere cultural interpretation.

What’s one Piece of Yours that Changed the Way you Saw Yourself as an Artist?

Basically, I've always see myself as an artist, but one of my piece titled "the resilient voyage" put me on a sit up, the client that got the work opened my eyes to the deeper version of me which is more than the ephemeral that i'm used to. The painting made me realize I'm more than just creator of art, I'm also a soothsayer, and I'm capable of tapping into my audience mind and what they felt seeing my work.

What do you want Your Art to Say Decades from Now?

In a decade now, I want my work to tell the world that African don't need permission to start and make it happen, I want my theme which is mainly African women to face less or no challenges using my work as a solidarity fight to freedom. In decade to come, I want the message of resilience, beauty, and intentional creation to remain and printed in the mind of everyone including the next generation.