LIVING WITH ART

LIVING WITH ART

Paul Gbolade Omidiran B.A, M.F.A [Ife]

African art describes the modern and historical paintings, sculptures, installations, and other visual culture from native or indigenous Africans and the African continent. This also includes the art of the native African, African in Diasporas, such as African American, Caribbean and other American art. Despite this diversity, there are some unifying artistic themes when considering the totality of the visual culture from the continent of Africa.Masquerade, metalwork, sculpture, architecture, fiber art, and dance are important art forms across Africa.

Today, living with contemporary African art has the power to change more than your walls. Looking at art provides you with the potential to de-stress and heal more quickly, and spending a few minutes experiencing fine African art that resonates with you can positively impact the pleasure centers of your brain and change how you think. Visual art can also be a valuable tool for increasing productivity and your wellbeing at work and other places, opens your heart and feeds your mind.

[To appreciate beautiful works, nothing beats owning them; you don’t have to be rich to play]

Paul Gbolade Omidiran strives to create a collection of unique works that echo his drive to experiment, perfect different styles, and capture cultural character. His African-themed works spotlight the simplicity of daily living, the value of music and entertainment in African culture, and the serenity often observed in smaller towns and villages of West Africa.

He has been painting for over 16 years and continues to refine and expand his mastery of different styles. After completing the MFA program at the renowned Ife Art School in the year 2000 [Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria], he dedicated himself to experimenting with methods of painting breaking away from existing styles. His works over the years cut across a spectrum covering wood collage painting [painted carved layers of wood embedded in a painting to create relief and texture], mixed media [using indigenous African materials like jute bags, dried plants, beads, stones, seeds, and fabric], coil on board or canvas’ [application of acrylic colors through compression from a syringe to create coil forms in art], and in oil on canvas.

Omidiran Gbolade’s initiatives [Omidiran African Art Gallery in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria] have done many creative and exclusive works that are held in private collections in Nigeria, London, Germany, and the United States of America. One of his paintings Morning Rush’’ Was selected as the cover of the invitation for the 2010 Cultural Perspective art exhibition at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, Burnsville, Minnesota. And several of his painting will also be featured at CUNY [Brooklyn College, New York] in commemoration of African at 50 celebrations during September- October 2010

In this brief interview with Buildace Magazine, Omidiran Gbolade said without art, there is no interior decoration. Enjoy the interview;  

What is art to you in the African culture and history?

Art in the African culture and history is an expression of the inner mind of an individual. The materials may vary from the use of colors, boards, stone, metal, clay, cloth, wood, bronze, cement and in more recent time, computers. All sorts of materials could be creatively incorporated with varying themes and titles.

How does media revolution affects art generally?

Media revolution has mostly positively affected art in several ways. Majorly, it has brought about awareness for art. It has also been a good avenue of harnessing great creative ideas for the artists. The advertisement ensured through it has brought about a lot of changes in enhancing sales for the artist thereby increasing the standard of good living for an average artist.

How is art and architecture related?

From the Paleolithic period, Art and Architecture have always been inter-related. The expression of the creative mind has also successfully played major roles in architectural embellishments. Even in modern times of today, the two are still interwoven and interrelated.

What is the importance of art in interior design?

The importance of art in interior decoration cannot be over emphasized. As a result, without art, there is no interior decoration. From the choice of colors, cottons, furniture, POP ceiling design, rugs and carpets, arrangements to wall decorations and hangings, the use of art in interior decoration is of pertinent essence.

How do you manage between Nigeria and America in this business?

In my art practice, managing between America and Nigeria has been the order of the day to ease to some extent the harsh economy of the Country. While some of my products sell well here, some other types sell more over there. Apart from this, timing is also of essence. While October, November and December are the peak period of sales in Nigeria, May, June, July and August have always been the best time of exhibitions for me in the U.S. Conclusively, with one’s intuition, one must be able to decipher the right part of success and pursue diligently.

What are your challenges so far in the business of art?

Just like every other businesses, there are always challenges here and there. While there are some challenges an artist have control over, some are well beyond you. For many artists, being able to sit down to paint alone has always been a big challenge. For some, knowing what to paint (theme) is another while procuring the very expensive materials to use cannot be brushed aside and pose another big problem. After accomplishing all these which one has control over, then comes the one you have little or no control over. Generating sales from the product is another herculean task to be confronted with in an unfortunate economic where 80% live on less than a dollar per day and seeing buying art as super luxury.  While some clients want to buy and pay peanuts, some want to buy and owe you while many want to out rightly dupe you. These are just few that can be mentioned here but in all, we give glory to God.

Which is your best art at home?

Finally my best artwork at home is the image hereby attached. Thank you so much while wishing you the best in your entire endeavor.

Thank you very much for your time Sir!

Thank you Buildace for hosting me.