Meet Bolaji Ogunwo | Art Lecturer & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bolaji Ogunwo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bolaji, what matters most to you?
Hard but smart work. Hard work puts you where good luck can find you

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I project a tactile quality that is unkind to austere use of paints. I have developed a penchant to express motion and capture emotions as I glide my knife through the canvas. I am a “Now” painter inspired by the present but sometimes peep imto the past to confirm if anything is left behind that is germane to the present . My unrepentant conviction is hinged on Leo Tolstoy’s opinion -“We shouldn’t believe in those who advise we prepare for the future, real life is only found in the present.
I paint from the abundance in my heart rather than the scarcity that permeates my milieu hence my excess dispensation of vibrant hues.

2.The road was pretty rough,tough and dark with no light in sight. Right from the elementary education to University of Benin, we were always going cap in hand but amidst all of this, focus, resiliency, positive mindset and the God factor that birth possibilities was principal in my pursuit as I hope that all shall be well.

3. I have learnt that anybody from nowhere can go places if quitting is not an option. Start small but think big. I am writing this message live from the Silicon Valley, Carlifornia; one of the destinations of my international art tour. That’s evidential of the greatness in the making

4. As an artist and a lecturer in a university, I am growing to become a seasoned onion with layers of excellence. I have come to realise that excellence is the name of the game and this is what I teach those under my influence, Excellence always sells.

I am a one-talent artist who decided not to bury his talent despite the austerity. I wasn’t the best back in school but consistency in the creative space has put my brand in the spotlight making me a sought-after artist in contemporary times.

I have done few paintings but there is more cos the best is yet to emanate from my pallete

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Nike art Gallery, Lekki to see art

Marriott hotel in Ikeja for lunch or dinner

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
1. Ufuoma Evuarherhe 2. Edosa Ogiugo.
Both are Nigerian artists whose works influenced and impart my practice

A book by Steven R. Covey- 7 habits of highly effective People

Website: www.bolajiogunwo.com

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Linkedin: Bolaji Ogunwo

Facebook: Bolaji Ogunwo