Press Release
Group Show: Figuratively Speaking III
Ogirikan Gallery is proud to announce the launch of its latest online exhibition, Figuratively Speaking III, from May 10 through May 17, 2025. This vibrant virtual showcase brings together a diverse lineup of contemporary artists from around the world, offering a compelling exploration of figurative art—a genre defined by its use of recognizable forms to convey human stories, emotions, and experiences.
Figurative art has long held a central place in the history of visual culture. Across time and geography, artists have used the human form and familiar imagery to document life, express emotion, and reflect the world around them. Figuratively Speaking III pays tribute to this enduring tradition while highlighting the innovative ways today’s artists are interpreting figurative expression in a contemporary context.
“We are thrilled to present Figuratively Speaking III, a remarkable exhibition that brings together artists from diverse cultures to celebrate the power of figurative art,” says Adeolu Tahouf, curator at Ogirikan Gallery. “Through their artistic expressions, these talented individuals offer us a window into their world, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the human form in new and inspiring ways.”
The exhibition features a curated group of international artists whose works span a wide range of styles, media, and perspectives. Drawing from their unique cultural and personal experiences, each artist contributes to a dynamic visual dialogue that speaks to the shared human experience.
In a time where digital access is more vital than ever, the online format of Figuratively Speaking III allows audiences around the globe to engage with the exhibition. Visitors can explore and collect works that examine not only the human figure, but also spaces and objects rendered in meaningful, recognizable ways.
By celebrating the universality of figurative forms, Figuratively Speaking III fosters dialogue, empathy, and connection across cultures—highlighting what unites us in a world of diverse expression.
DESTINY OYIBODE
Nigerian painter Destiny Oyibode always wanted to be an artist. He pursued this childhood dream at Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, Nigeria, where he received his national diploma. However, his dream was suddenly interrupted—and nearly stopped altogether—by a severe illness that placed him in the hospital for a year.
Upon recovering from his illness, Oyibode returned to Auchi Polytechnic, completing his higher national diploma in painting in 2018. After briefly teaching visual arts at a secondary school, he now dedicates himself to painting full-time in his studio in Benin City, Nigeria.
IZUCHUKWU AKUNNE
As a young and creative painter, (b. 1997), Luther’s artistic journey has led him to experiment with various mediums, creating captivating pieces. Not only is he an artist, but he is also an advocate for environmental and climate change issues. He actively contributes to reducing waste in the environment by transforming polluting plastics into artworks. Additionally, he serves as an art educator, guiding young artists in discovering and nurturing their passion, talent, and dreams through engaging creative activities. Through these endeavors, he promotes focus, concentration, and critical thinking among aspiring artists.
GRACE IGHAVBOTA
Grace Ighavbota is a representational impressionist whose painting strives to freeze bits and happenings around her immediate environment. She uses her art to advocate for, or against, the happenings in her society, which is emphasized through our need for survival, and ensures the documentation of priceless moments that are often missed. She works mostly with oil paint on canvas and denim. Some of her paintings are represented in series such as “The Breadwinners”, “Pocket Money”, and “Nostalgia”, amongst others. Her paintings are inspired by memories of her late mum, spirituality and her love for people, personalities, cultures and Afrocentric modernizations.
YAW BOATENG
Boateng, the painter, adeptly captures contemporary occurrences and societal trends, forging a distinctive artistic signature marked by an eclectic mix of media and techniques. His recent works delve into the vibrant tapestry of contemporary African cultures, drawing inspiration from the youth in Ghana’s fashion, entertainment, and sports scenes. Boateng employs live or internet models from these realms, infusing his art with elements of hip-hop, street, and Afro-pop cultures, notably Afrobeat music. His oeuvre serves as a celebration of youth, with a recent collection exploring the monochromatic effects of green to symbolize the “growth and vigor” of adolescence. Boateng’s precision in color manipulation creates a tranquil intensity, reflecting his anticipation of a dynamic future in the art world.
DAMILOLA EDUBIYI
Damilola Edubiyi is a Lagos-based painter and art educator known for his vibrant explorations of color and human emotion. Utilizing acrylics, he creates intricate compositions that reflect the complexities of everyday life and the nuances of the human experience.
Edubiyi’s work often weaves together fragmented narratives, encouraging introspection and personal connection.
OLOLADE AJALA
Ololade Ajala is a contemporary Nigerian artist whose oil paintings celebrate identity, elegance, and self-expression. With a refined sense of color and composition, her work often portrays confident female figures in richly patterned clothing, set against stylized, geometric backdrops. In her piece Her Kind, Ajala presents a poised woman in a flowing floral dress, exuding quiet strength and grace. The presence of a small dog at her feet adds warmth and intimacy, highlighting themes of companionship and everyday beauty. Ajala’s work is a dialogue between tradition and modernity, capturing the spirit of African womanhood with a fresh, contemporary lens.
EYITUOYOMI MARTINS EWETAN
Eyituoyomi Martins Ewetan is a Nigerian artist with a background in civil engineering whose journey into art began with sketching during college. His work blends abstract, figurative, and contemporary styles, often developed from playful thumbnail sketches and caricature-like forms. Drawing inspiration from music, architecture, and African heritage, Ewetan creates vibrant, thought-provoking pieces that explore identity, self-awareness, and cultural tradition. Known for his bold use of color—especially magenta—he paints with passion and authenticity.
AUDU BALI
Audu Bali is a multidisciplinary artist born in 1990 in Bauchi State, Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in Textile Arts in 2015. Bali’s vibrant works explore the intricate relationship between humans and their environment, with a focus on women and children. Bali’s art combines rich colors, vivid lines, and traditional henna dot patterns to create narratives of visual exploration. Her work celebrates resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment, reflecting the strength and beauty of humanity. Through workshops and exhibitions across Africa, Bali fosters cultural exchange, social impact, and shared human experiences. She is currently based in Lagos, where she continues her art journey.
ZARA AYAZUDDIN SHAIKH
Zara Ayazuddin Shaikh’s artistic portfolio encapsulates a profound exploration of the lives led by the impoverished slum inhabitants of India. Through her captivating artwork, Zara aims to illuminate the existence and daily experiences of low-income families, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and the indomitable spirit that defines their journey.
Zara captures a modest yet evocative scene: a red-walled structure under a corrugated roof, flanked by wooden tables bearing jars, a bowl, and a pot. These ordinary objects are thoughtfully arranged, reflecting a delicate balance and mutual support. Light, shadow, and texture are used with sensitivity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of space and object. By framing slumscapes not as places of lack but as landscapes of life, Zara shifts the lens through which we perceive value and beauty. Her use of subdued color palettes and strong composition underscores the subtle order in what might first appear as chaos.