Seun Adeyemi merges modern art with old- fashioned Nigerian artwork

Nigerian artist, Seun Adeyemi, has introduced a new form of art by merging modern day art with old fashioned art works. He was inspired by British artist Damien Hirst’s sculpture at the Venice show which had a very close resemblance to Nigeria’s “Ori Olokun.” Adeyemi has used that inspiration to introduce the younger generation of […]

Nigerian artist, Seun Adeyemi, has introduced a new form of art by merging modern day art with old fashioned art works. He was inspired by British artist Damien Hirst’s sculpture at the Venice show which had a very close resemblance to Nigeria’s “Ori Olokun.”

Adeyemi has used that inspiration to introduce the younger generation of Nigerian artists to old works of Nigerian art in his ongoing series labeled “iloveartngroyalhead.”

He said, “the idea behind the series is to promote our culture by giving Africa’s artistic representation with a focus on the past, a feeling of life and uniqueness.”

He also shared the criticism he faced. “It was a bit mysterious, creepy to some people and some others loved the concept behind the project. A week later the British artist, Damien Hirst presented his attempted work from one of Nigeria’s oldest artworks, the Bronze Head from Ife and Nigerian artists came out to try and support past Nigerian relics and artworks which were dubbed and recreated in recent times with any ties of acknowledgement.”

Although the concept is mysterious and odd, there is no denying that the concept behind it will contribute to the art society in Nigeria.