A people’s future is usually guarded by its past. As such, as a way of re-directing the present, Oyerinde Olotu, an artist who loves reading historical books and painting is out to celebrate past leaders, events and places of note.

Notable names like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Robert Mugabe.Nnamdi Azikwe (Zik of Afrika), Anthony Enahoro. E. T. Mensah of Ghana, Bishop Ajayi Crowther, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and very many others are celebrated in the on-going exhibition of paintings and drawings entitled, Nigeria and Beyond: The Past and The Present, People, Cities, landmarks. The exhibition opened recently at Quintessence Gallery, Falomo Shopping Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The exhibition is a historic political documentation of Nigeria and other countries in the world, is a prelude to the golden anniversary of Nigeria’s independence slated for next year.

The occasion also marks Oyerinde’s 50th birthday anniversary and the cutting of his birthday cake in a grand style amidst friends, art enthusiasts and family members.
In attendance were Chirf Torch Taire, Mr Toyin, Chief frank Okonta, Engr Yemisi Shyllon, Mr. Kolade Oshinowo and many others.
The solo show, which aimed at reminding people and educating the youth on their immediate past heritage showcased pre-colonial, colonial and post colonial periods in Nigeria including the military period and today’s democracy.

Some of the works include, sages, Nkrumah Dances With The Duchess of Kent, March 6th, 1957, Diplomatic Shuttle, Obafemi Awolowo, Aminu Kano, The Ground Breakers, The Connoisseur, Lord Lugard, Okotie Eboh, Sir Louis Ojukwu, Fela nad His Sax, Akintola, M. K. O. Abiola, W. F. Kumuyi, Chief Matthew Mbu, Herbert Macauley, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Adeola Odutola, Man of Peace, Old Broad Street, Idumota, Old Marine Waterfront and a lot more.

Every piece of Olotu’s works tells a story on people, individual, place or event.
The work, The Ground Breakers is a painting of two internationally renowned Nigerian writers, Professors Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe. The duo are great authors whose books are well read in schools and tertiary institutions.

As described by Chief Torch Taire, amn art patron and analyst, Olotu has painted “a good number of our past leaders bringing back to the minds of those old enough to appreciate the pleasure of how they were: the incandescent handsomeness of Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, the no-nonsence look on Chief Obafemi Awolowo authoritative pose, the aristocratic mien revealed by an unforced smile on the face of Sir Abubakar Tafewa Balewa (then Prime Minister), suggesting the coolness and soothing beauty of a velvety yet unheard voice.”

The analyst stated that olotu’s works are achieved by careful observation and almost scientific study and appreciation of the properties of light and shade.
Oyerinde, a graduate of Yaba College of Technology, (YABATECH) is a full time studio artist based in Lagos.
On what inspires him, the artist said he likes reading biography of people. “It gives me an insight into my past. I pick positive things about individuals and this help me direct my future.”