Tolu Aliki, an up coming artist is a graduate of Mass Communication whose love for art and innate desire to express himself turned him into a full time studio artist.
And for an artist who is self trained, and who had no bias for, or exposure to notable artists or their art forms, one thing is expected of him, either he births with original paintings or he will phase out with time.
But Tolu Aliki has proved his critics wrong, he not only registered his name with his special identity that promotes children like expression but has also demonstrated that he has come to stay going by the presence of his works in many places in Nigeria and even outside the country.
Last week, at the Nike Art gallery Lekki, Lagos, Tolu opened his third solo exhibition titled Intimate Moments , a title which he said came up because his happiest time in life is always whenever he is painting.
The one week exhibition which was declared open by Ambassador Emeka Anyaoku amidst other art lovers featured over 60 paintings of what he termed as a stylerised figurative expressions which are collection of his selected works from 2007 to 2011.
The works which are in oil pastel and acrylic exhibit a high standard of understanding and application of colours, depth of content and aesthetic beauty.
A look at most of the works on display suggests that his largely pastel works seem to thrive on themes that touch on feelings. An action Tolu attributes to his love for colours.
“ Most of my paintings are about love, passion, music etc so it is an expression I create by myself and is another thing I gain from my painting. I also like colours, I like to create like a child because I feel like a child each time I am painting.” He added.
The works which were displayed at the ground flour of the building almost look like the same, bold figures, colours , large and attentive eyes , figures playing the banjo, violin or piano etc but this Tolu explains is why he termed them stylerised form.
“I paint in a particular way and having resolved to do that, I don’t want to imitate any body, I want to do what I feel like and that is art for you. They actually look the same but are actually different faces and messages.”
A look at the works explains the artist’s ability to create moods and feelings and underscores his deep understanding of human nature. Another special feature of the works is that they are innocent, childlike and pure renditions that are capable of exciting the mind and spirit.
Some of the works include: Innocence, Lover’s Blues, Memories of my younger days, My stallion and I, Saturday evening, Riding Tall, Somewhere in Victoria Island, A token of my love 1, Champaigne for two, Happy three, Infatuation, Growing up here was good and others.
Commenting on the works, Ambassador Anyaoku first, commended Mrs Nike Okundaye for setting up the gallery which he described as a great asset for the country.
“For her to be able to mount an exhibition like this is a very good thing.” On the works, he said “Tolu’s works are very eye catching, simply interpretative and his use of colours is very imaginative and very rich.”
He however advocated for the establishment of more galleries in major cities in Nigeria. According to him “Art and culture in our country is underplayed, so I would like greater attention to be given to arts and culture because our cultural heritage is one of the things for which Nigeria is rich and deserve a good ground.” He added.
For Frank Okonta, AGAN chairman who confessed that he was fascinated with the story of Tolu’s beginning in arts. “The works are incredible, very Picasoish. It shows a representation of the feelings of innocence, bold figures, colours and underline happiness in them.” He added.
Tolu has had two solo exhibitions in 2009 and 2010 titled Colours of Passion at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos and Evolution at Colorida Gallery,in Lisbon, Portugal. He has also participated in many group exhibitions in Nigeria and outside
The Art and Life of Tolu Aliki 