Otoki In Landscapes Of My Fatherland
FOR the second time in 30 years of practice, Oluwafemi Otoki will be staging his second solo show. His first, This Land Is Not For Sale, was in 2022 at the Signature Gallery, Lagos.
Otoki’s painting is inspired by landscape and his passion for preserving the ecosystem and love for nature.
For the second show, titled, Landscapes Of My Fatherland, which will hold at the Mydrim Gallery, Lagos, from March 16 to 30, 2024, Otoki will be showcasing 19 works.
“I have had several group shows, however, I had my first solo show at the Signature Gallery two years ago; this is my second solo exhibition.”
He continued: “Two years ago, I came to Mydrim Gallery and told them that I will stage a show at the gallery and right from then, and I began working towards the show and I was able to produce about 15 works.”
On his passion for large canvasses, he said: “I find it easier to express myself in large canvasses. I tell stories better there.
“I have passion to document most of the landscapes we have in Nigeria; I am fascinated whenever I travel around the country and having to stop along the way when I see interesting. I take their pictures, then go to the studio to paint. I love nature untouched. I love riverside, mountains and other natural things.
“In those days, we painted sceneries from Oshodi, O but it is not the same sa again, so, we need to preserve what we have. h We must do everything th within our power to preserve our cultural heritage h for our future generations will appreciate our efforts, if not, we will be losing on all sides. We will no longer lo have an identity ty if we lose our cultural a heritage. We must tell te our stories and tell the th people on the need n to preserve all we w have.”