Shogo Olalekan Uthman is a visionary artist from Nigeria. His creative process is a journey of exploration about African culture and traditions. He was exposed to art at an early age back in secondary school when he attended fine art classes. He got really fascinated about art and how creativity was put together to tell stories and evoke emotions.
Shogo’s inspiration stems from creating and always wanting to position the ever wonders of African Arts and Culture to the global world and viewing ways he could express his innate emotion through striking the blank canvas with brushes. Every dot in an image is important to him, so he pays close attention to every one of them. He is more inclined towards depicting every image meticulously interpreting African art. More significantly, he uses oil and acrylic paints to disrupt the simplicity of the white canvas with distorted shapes and lines. His works feature a mix of traditional and digital mediums.
The artwork depicting an African man and his son working on a farm is a beautiful and evocative portrayal of the strong bond between fathers and sons in rural African communities. The artist has captured the essence of hard work, resilience, and the unbreakable connection between generations in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
The artwork “Hardwork” transports the observer to the heart of the African countryside with its vivid colors and fine details, where the smell of newly churned soil permeates the air and the sun shines down on the ground. As they tend to the cattle and crops, the men and their sons are portrayed as muscular, industrious people, their muscles tensed with exertion. The significance of agriculture in maintaining these communities has been highlighted by the artist's deft portrayal of the core of their everyday struggle.
Omidan is a truly mesmerizing piece of art that beautifully captures the essence of African women. It is a celebration of strength, resilience, and culture, and serves as a reminder of the powerful role that women play in society.
In addition to the non-representative abstract art that runs diagonally beneath the image of Omidan, Shogo also paints a cute small glossy oil painting that is layered over in the background. This painting is done in the cubism style, and it features topics that are represented by geometric forms in the hues “Green, Redd, and Bluish patterns.” This is not representative of the “neo-plasticism” that Piet Mondrian, an Amsterdam-based fine artist, produced.
The artist has skillfully blended warm and cool tones to create a sense of balance and harmony in the painting. The woman’s skin is painted with rich earthy tones, while her clothing and jewelry are adorned with bright, bold colors. This contrast adds depth and dimension to the artwork, making it truly eye-catching.
This piece of art, titled “Kakaki” depicts a Nigerian clan, specifically the “Hausas”. The northern region of the country is where they are most frequently cited. This is thought to have formal undertones in a blue color that is connected to masculinity and is portrayed in a gentle, calming, and caring feel, evoking the character’s knowledge and steadiness. The man who had a rawani draped over his head shot a striking scene. The artist has done an excellent job in showcasing the intricate details and vibrant colors of the Kakaki. The shiny metal surface of the trumpet reflects the surrounding light, giving it a lifelike appearance. The use of bold and bright colors adds to the overall vibrancy and energy of the painting, perfectly representing the joy and celebration associated with the instrument.
The painting, “Sand, Dunes and Camels” was also a beautiful mix of warm, earthy tones that perfectly depicted the sand and dunes of the Sahara. The undulating curves and slopes of the dunes provide a perfect backdrop for the intricate designs, adding depth and dimension to the artwork. The contrast between the smooth, flowing lines of the dunes and the sharp, defined patterns in the sand creates a visually stunning effect.
One of the most striking aspects of the painting was the sky. The combination of warm oranges along with hints of yellow, perfectly captured the breathtaking sunsets that can be seen in the Sahara. It was as though the sky was ablaze, adding a sense of drama and intensity to the overall piece. As the wind blows and shifts the sand, the patterns and designs are constantly changing, creating an ever-evolving canvas. This is a true reflection of the transient nature of life in the desert, where nothing stays the same for too long.
The dunes themselves also play a significant role in this artwork. The undulating curves and slopes of the dunes provide a perfect backdrop for the intricate designs, adding depth and dimension to the artwork. The contrast between the smooth, flowing lines of the dunes and the sharp, defined patterns in the sand creates a visually stunning effect.
The artist strongly ascertained that “No matter how big or small an artist’s achievement may be, their journey is incredibly important and powerful, and it deserves to be celebrated”.
The artist’s works have been exhibited both physically and digitally in several galleries, some of which are NAFEST 2021, Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture 2022, African Art Xperience, 2023, Madeke Modern art exhibition UK,(https://art.kunstmatrix.com/en/artist/shogo-olalekan-uthman) all of which are testament to his commitment to persevering the African arts and culture.