About

Life exists metaphorically as a journey in many cultures, and it is this belief that the artist seems to replicate with monochromatic somberness in Iri Ajo. The artist makes use of symmetrical elements to show a juxtaposition between the two instances of a journey: leaving and returning. Whatever you leave behind you have been accomplished and can always be revisited, but the remainder of your journey always lays ahead. This is why at the centre of this oil painting, we have an embodiment of life that looks forward while holding up all elements that characterize this piece. The artist is quick to appeal to the viewer’s bias, by using light and shadows on each bridge to depict a future and past. However, in the same vein, we would also be correct to see life as a sojourn balanced between light and darkness. The defining terracotta face inspired by Olokun Head isn’t new to this collection, but its representation and production could vary. In this piece, it carries the idea of an element that withstands the test of time and seeks above all to outlive itself. There is balance in the journey, and where birds sprout, a dark end finds a new and brighter beginning.

About the Artist

Omishore is a Nigerian-born multidisciplinary artist and designer based in the U.K.

He holds a master's degree in computer-generated imagery from Kingston University London, and his mediums are practice via digital art, design, painting, furniture, sculpture, and jewellery making.

Omishore’s work reflected upon the beauty of African’s art and history before colonisation and exploitation.

His work focuses on preserving his cultural heritage, and they are inspired by Olokun Heads (also known as Ife-Heads), which are one of the most naturalistic and realistic sculptures that were sculpted by Yoruba people in South West Nigeria between 11th and 15th centuries.

His work has been collected by private art collectors as well as art enthusiasts, and his body of work was recently exhibited in June 2022 at Gallery-different London.

Omishore is the founder of @Olokunstores and @olokunhome on Instagram.