Tunde Odunlade is a print and textile artist who has exhibited, taught, lectured, studied and traveled extensively within Nigeria and throughout Africa, North America, and Europe. In addition, he has performed as an actor with the Nigerian National Troop and various other theatrical organizations, and has recorded several CDs that integrate poetry and music. He lives in Ibadan, in the southwestern part of Nigeria.
His art has been displayed in dozens of one-man and group shows. His work is in the collections of institutions including the Smithsonian Museum of African Art and the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the MacArthur Foundation Collection in Chicago, and the State House in Lagos, Nigeria. His work is also in the collections of many private individuals in the North America, Europe, and Nigeria. In the early 1970’s Tunde studied with Yinka Adeyemi, a member of the Oshogbo school of art that was largely responsible for the explosion of creative contemporary art emanating from Nigeria, and at the Oguntimehin Art Workshop under the auspices of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. Tunde’s art uses both contemporary and traditional techniques. For example, he developed a unique batik appliqué process that builds on traditional textile print techniques to create wall hangings with unusual depth and texture. His favored technique for making prints is linocuts. Recently, he developed a new style he calls “floatograph” that combines the techniques of marbleizing, calligraphy, and batik to create organic abstractions. His images draw on the rich history of Yoruba art and culture, modern-day life in Nigeria, and his passion for music. He does not create “art for art’s sake.” Rather, he is committed to “art with a purpose:” the use of art to reach across cultural differences, raise awareness among his own people and the international community about both the potential and the challenges facing Nigeria. Read More about Tunde Odunlade |