Honoring the strength, resilience, and beauty of African women, Oluwaseun reimagines the role of art by navigating the intersection between painting and fashion.   

At its core, Oluwaseun’s works seek to elevate women, offering a platform for their perspectives to shine. The voice of women in African culture takes center stage, acting as impetus for this showcase. By challenging societal norms, as seen in the painting Propped (2023), Oluwaseun presents a poignant commentary on power and defiance. Here, the sitter boldly stands on a stool traditionally reserved for monarchy or men, a deliberate act that subverts conventional hierarchies. However, Oluwaseun refrains from comparisons between genders. He emphasizes purely the representation of women, in a light that reflects their vigor, tenacity, and capability. Taking inspiration from iconic figures of the 60s and 70s, such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Pedestal commemorates their achievements and their impact on Africa's socio-political fabric. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, trailblazer for women's rights and pivotal figure in Nigeria's struggle for independence, was a catalyst for Oluwaseun's reflections on empower-ment. Oluwaseun's paintings create a dominating feeling, capturing the quintessence of the women he portrays. The muses of the portraits have heads wrapped in fabric, completely obscuring their faces.  Nonetheless, their intent is conveyed via the shape and color of the cloth, hinting at the social, cultural or political situation in a region. The clothing is the result of an exceptional collaboration with Nigerian fashion designer Ejiro Amos Tafiri.  Renowned for her innovative and culturally rich designs, Ejiro Amos Tafiri brings a distinct touch to the narrative of African women through her partnership on this exhibition. By preserving Nigeria's cultural heritage, Ejiro Amos Tafiri´s creations not only strengthen the allure of the paintings but also play an integral role in embodying the essence of each individual subject.  By amplifying the stories of African women, Idowu Oluwaseun spotlights the stories of their experiences. Pedestal is testament to Oluwaseun's steadfast commitment to elucidating these marginalized narratives. 

Text: Asim Muhammad 

Idowu Oluwaseun (b. 1982) was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and currently resides and works in Houston, TX (USA). Graduating from the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf in 2013 under the mentorship of Prof. Rita McBride, Oluwaseun seamlessly integrates his backgrounds as painter and fashion designer to create distinctive portraits that capture the essence of black individuals. His education, coupled with an interest in themes surrounding tradition and identity, has shaped his unique artistic voice.  

Ejiro Amos-Tafiri, founder and creative director of Ejiro Amos Tafiri, fuses traditional African dress forms with modern construction techniques. With a background in Fashion from Yaba College of Technology and experience from notable brands, she has showcased her collections at prestigious fashion shows worldwide. Her innovative designs preserve traditional African dress forms while embracing individuality and modernity.   "I believe that fashion should be a celebration of culture and heritage." - Ejiro Amos Tafiri