Six months after he held his last successful solo exhibition, Ikore at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, Mr Aderinsoye Ademorin Aladegbongbe is back to the exhibition halls. This time, he has added his Alma mater, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos to venues of his diamond show organised to celebrate his 60th birthday. The forthcoming exhibition, In Time, is a follow up to last September show, which highlighted the fact that there is season for everything including harvest after a period of planting.
With In Time, Aladegbongbe, an Art teacher at Yaba College of Technology Lagos, embarks on a journey through time, interrogating endless possibilities, growth and self-discovery. His works are deepened with immediacy and movements in composition, while also capturing the essence of his subject matter rather than the details. The forthcoming show though a retrospective is far loaded beyond what viewers will expect. Featuring no fewer than a hundred artworks such as paintings, drawings, sculptures dating back to 1986 when he was a student at Yaba Tech, the artist is offering much more harvest of works.
In Time, which opens on March 5 to 31, 2025, at the Yaba College of Technology and March 15 to 29 at the National Museum, Lagos, is a collection of works that deepens human reflection. It is to a large extent, a pot-pouri of works in realism, semi-abstract and abstract in varied mediums and sizes. As a landmark exhibition, the artist is not leaving any stone unturned to excite collectors and art enthusiasts with his rare collection. At 60, the exhibition is not only telling the trajectory of the artist as studio man and an academic, but also revealing his projection towards new opportunities.
At a preview session of the exhibition, the artist, a Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said art became a passion for him at an early age. Little wonder, he is not in any way hindered doing art. “And that’s why I can freely make use of any material,” he said.
“My work is a fusion of the spiritual, culture, passion, technique, and innovation, reflecting my journey as a painter, metal constructor, and printmaker.”
He said ‘my paintings, largely in the realm of semi-expressionism, are characterised by vibrant colours that evoke energy, emotion, and rhythm. Each stroke, texture, and hue is an intentional dialogue between my soul and the canvas, conveying narratives that transcend words.’
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Continuing, he said: “Beyond traditional techniques, my exploration in printmaking led to the discovery of Plastopaint, a unique approach that has significantly shaped my artistic identity. Alongside my metal foil productions, this innovation adds depth and dynamism to my works, reinforcing my commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
“With a career spanning over three decades, I have had the privilege of showcasing my works in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both locally and internationally. My pieces have found homes in private collections, institutions, and corporate spaces, serving as testaments to the universality of art. As an art educator. I am deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of artists, sharing knowledge, and fostering creativity. My role as an administrator has further enriched my experience, allowing me to contribute to the growth and structure of the art community,” he said.
He disclosed that his journey has anchored in faith as a child of God, and that ‘my artistry for me, is a divine calling to celebrate creation, inspire hearts, and illuminate the beauty within and around us.’
Curatorial director of the exhibition, Moses Ohiomokhare said that turning 60 for Aladegbongbe, is not just a milestone; it is a gateway to new beginnings. Listening to him in our conversation while preparing for this exhibition, you find a man on a journey to joy and fulfillment. He puts to bear his accumulated wisdom, and experience, telling stories through his art.” To him, Aladegbongbe’s works are not only spontaneous; you’ll surely “enjoy his bright and varied use of light. I call him a great impressionist.
“His work is also therapeutic, offering stress relief and promoting relaxation. He reminds his audience that he is philosophical and spiritual. You should, therefore, not be tired of doing what is right, because you will have a sense of accomplishment.”
“Aladegbongbe is proficient with his medium and there is precision and control as he demonstrates mastery of his work. Forms in similitude; expression in colours; assurance of celebration; celebrating the god of fruitfulness; harvest and many others are pieces that evoke emotions and provoke thoughts in the viewer. The works no doubt create a lasting impression on his audience. Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso are well known for their significant contribution to the art in their later years, so, why not Aladegbongbe?”
“He works spontaneously and you enjoy his bright and varied use of light. The works no doubt create a lasting impression on his audience. There is that freedom to explore and it unleashes the artist within Aladegbongbe and he has a desire to fulfill his ideal life vision,” he noted.
Aladegbongbe had his education at the prestigious Yaba Art School, where he got his ND and HND 1990 and 1992. He proceeded to the University of Benin for his Master of Fine Art (MFA) in painting and Ph.D in painting from the same university in 2008 and 2015 respectively. Today, he is one of the great inspirations for the younger generation artists.
