Spotlight: Nigerian Hyperrealist Artist Olumide Oresegun

Olumide Oresegun was born in 1981 in Lagos. A distinction HND graduate of Painting from Yaba College of Technology in 2006, ‘Olu Van Gogh’ (nicknamed by his classmates) was greatly influenced by his lecturers, some of whom include the well respected Kolade Oshinowo and Peter Coker. Since his graduation, Olu has participated in numerous group exhibitions, and has had two solo exhibitions.

Olumide experienced an unbelievable sensation of neo-classical and installation art when he visited the ARCO 2009 exhibition in Madrid, Spain. The detailing of Peter Paul Reuben’s work both mesmerized and challenged Olumide to focus more on pushing realism to stage of hyperrealism by creating a barrier between realism and abstraction in his own work. Olumide was featured on CNN African Voices in March 2016 as part of a feature on artists making waves.

“Am With You” is a story about disappointment – and consolation – between two friends.

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This work depicts a story of two bright students from the same African village. In the 1970s, they each won a scholarship to study medicine in the USA. The new environments they found themselves created both mixed feelings and the culture shock new immigrants experience. They both wear their grandparents’ expensive headgear as a symbol of love of the culture and showcasing acclimatization of the new culture. They felt welcomed by the people and even the birds in their new American home.

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The painting “Omoge Eko” was born out of the love of fashion trends among Yoruba ladies in Lagos, Nigeria from time memorial. The word omoge is a young stylist; their blend of traditional attire and modern fashion reflects their cultural heritage and the beauty of self expression and identity. Their bond signifies strength in unity regardless of the sense of style. I’m always inspired by different cultures and celebrations among Nigerian women around the globe.

Learn more about the artist at www.olumideoresegunstudios.com.