10 Questions with Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi
Mr. Adeyemi Ramon Omolaja is a professional painting artist with years of experience in different painting works that exhibit natural and environmental activities and occurrences around him.
He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1978. He graduated from Ore-ofe primary school, Egbe, Lagos, before proceeding to Muslim College, Egbe, Lagos, for his Secondary School Certificate. He attended The Polytechnic Ibadan and bagged National Diploma (ND)in Art and Design and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fine and Applied Art.
After completing his academic pursuit, he joined the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria, and rose to the Principal Technical Officer and spearheaded the designing of various projects for the beautification of the state. He now resides in Manchester, in the United Kingdom, after over a decade of meritorious service in the National Gallery of Art in Nigeria.
Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
The culture where he grew up influenced his development into a professional artist because of many natural beautification and creatures around his environment, which he also wants to showcase to the entire world via his painting. It has always been his dream to show his world to the entire world, thus improving it. His dedication and creativity made him stand out in painting, and he will persist in exposing himself to further development.
He works with oil on canvas by exploring several issues that are dear to him. He does portraits, landscapes, still life, and figures. His inspirations are from scenes witnessed around him. With eyes on a great deal of fine detail or complexity, his style is fit to convey the most intricate scene to the understanding with the utmost clearness.
Somewhere in Igbore, Oil on canvas, 61x88 cm, 2020 © Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi
INTERVIEW
Could you tell us a little more about your background? How did you start experimenting with images?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, into a large and loving family. I grew up with my parents and siblings. My family was not artistic, but we supported the dreams and aspirations of each other.
After graduating with a Higher National Diploma in paintings, I had a brief stint in an advertising agency. I later joined the service of the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria, where I worked for more than a decade and rose to the level of Principal Technical Officer before I relocated to the United Kingdom.
I started experimenting with images by drawing heroes in cartoon movies. I later acquired more skills in a studio close to my residence.
What is your personal aim as an artist?
My personal aim is to be able to come up with a new unique approach to painting and portraits in particular. And also increase the interest and participation of people in arts.
Kara kata, Oil on canvas, 24x34 inches © Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi
What messages do you want to convey with your art?
I explore several issues that are dear to me. I try to convey the most intricate scene with the utmost clarity. My work simply says life is beautiful.
How much of your personal life and experiences are reflected in your work? Is there any specific event that influences your approach to art and your production?
My work doesn't reflect my personal life and experiences. Neither is there any specific event that influences my approach to art and my production. Any interesting scene around me has always been my inspiration. I love capturing those beautiful fleeting life events on my canvas.
Your paintings are colourful portraits and landscapes where you depict your surroundings. What are your main sources of inspiration?
I love nature. Any interesting scene around me has always been my inspiration.
Dancing time, Oil on Canvas, 90x121 cm, 2018 © Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi
Anchor, Oil on Canvas, 90x121 cm, 2019 © Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi
What is the most challenging part for you about creating art?
Nothing really. Creating art has always been fun.
Is there anything you would like to experiment with in the future?
Yes, a whole lot. Because art is evolving and one needs to be open to new ideas in order to remain relevant.
Do you find that the shift to digital exhibitions and art fairs has helped you promote your work?
Yes, it has helped me promote my work a great deal.
Omi Obi (The Kolanut River), Oil on canvas, 76x105 cm, 2018 © Ramon Omolaja Adeyemi
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
I'm currently working on some landscapes and portraits that I'm excited about. My plan for the future is to have my personal studio and an art gallery - a medium through which I can express my voice as a beacon of hope to humanity.
Finally, share something you would like the world to know about you?
I am a hyper-realistic painter. I work with oil on canvas by exploring several issues that are dear to me. I do portraits, landscapes, still life, and figures with eyes on a great deal of fine detail or complexity. My style is fit to convey the most intricate scene to the understanding with the utmost clearness.
