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Tolulope Owolabi
NIGERIA
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"My works mainly highlight my versatile use of colors and their role in passing a message to the viewers."
Tolulope Owolabi is originally from Lagos, Nigeria. She spent the majority of her early childhood and teenage years in her home country before migrating to the United States at the age of 15. She currently holds two associate degrees, in health science and arts, while still working on obtaining her bachelor's in nursing.
Sisi Eko | Acrylic
$200
"Sisi Eko" is a common word or slang that originated in Lagos, Nigeria. "Sisi Eko" can be translated into English as "Lagos Babe" or "Lagos Big Girl." In Lagos street slang, "Sisi Eko" is viewed as an extremely beautiful and youthful lady who is both classy and trendy. She is often wooed by numerous influential and respectable men due to her elegance and grace. "Sisi Eko" is a strong, resilient, and resourceful lady who is able to thrive in a male-dominated society.
Despite growing up in a typical Nigerian household that pushes towards generating aspiring medical professionals and engineers, Tolulope still finds ways to treasure her artistic genes. From experimenting with stick figures and sketches of barbies at preadolescence to depicting human feelings and individualism as a young adult. It is clear she has not lost her ingrained love for art.
Sisii | Mixed Media
$100
"Sisii" is a Nigerian alternative word to describe a pretty girl. Although "Sisii" is a pretty young lady, she is bold and fierce. Some might even say she is intimidating due to her striking looks and rebellious nature. Despite the highs and lows that come with living in patriarchal Nigeria, "Sisii" still manages to stay independent and powerful. She believed in creating a space for all rebellious and passionate women out in the world. She was indeed the original boss lady.
Tolulope believes art should be a reflection of our innate selves. Without the judgment or fear of how we would be perceived. Knowing this, Tolulope has established an artistic approach to bringing her inner words and feelings out through her experimentations with the color wheel and numerous artistic techniques.
"I am a versatile artist and work with acrylics, watercolor, spray paint, markers, and sharpies."
The majority of Tolulope's artworks and techniques are often a mirror reflection of her state of mind at the time she is producing a piece. This is evident in her color choice and techniques used. The use of dark colors or gray tones is often reflective of the somber mood that Tolulope felt while painting. The somber tones of the image are often in contrast with the bright and vibrant colors of the background.
Black Man | Acrylic
$150
"Black Man" was created during the Black Lives Matter protest to show the beauty and pride that comes with being a black man no matter where a person is in the world. Although society at the moment might not be welcoming for Black Men, they are still indeed viewed as royalty and powerful. From their resilient nature to their unlimited potential, the black man should indeed be proud of who he is.
"Dissociation is a mental process of disconnecting from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity." It's the lack of connection or the lack of balance between the mind and one's body. This lack of balance brings with it an empty void of existence that creates an unhealthy sense of comfort. It's daydreaming without the dream. being lost in the voidness of a puzzled mind. living on autopilot mode, but not being present. misalignment between the body and mind.
Dissociation | Mixed Media
$100
Her use of vibrant colors can also be interpreted as the internal turmoil that one hides from the external world. In other words, "happy on the outside, sad on the inside." During this state of grace, Tolulope uses watercolor, colored pencils, and pastels as art materials to produce her works. This is because of the soft nature of the medium and the complexity that comes with using it.
"By using a dull-colored foreground and a vibrant background, I express the importance of having hope and faith during cloudy days."
"My artworks are in constant search for the best ways to depict my internal/spiritual world into physical reality."
When using watercolors and color pencils, Tolulope uses gentle brush strokes and utilizes whatever materials are within her range of vision. mediums such as sharpies, markers, pastels, and pens. During this time, she exhibits a more childlike playfulness when painting and is more accepting of mistakes. "You do not make mistakes, only happy accidents."
feeling blue | Acrylic
$150
It is okay to feel down. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to feel blue. Sad days are inevitable, and that's the beauty of it. One has to experience extreme lows to truly appreciate the highs, because without sadness, happiness holds no value.
Tolulope artworks are in constant search for the best ways to depict her internal/spiritual world into physical reality. The only journey is the one within. The best way to explain this internal journey to the outside world is through art. The consistent change of our inward state of mind causes Tolulope to not limit herself to a specific art style, medium, or idea. Inspiration changes. Knowledge changes. Life experiences change individuals. Artists also change.
Star Signs-1 | Mixed Media
$75
Inspired by the album, "rare" by Odunsi(the Engine). The album "Rare" was the highlight of Tolulope's teen years. From late-night jamming to the unforgettable memories attached to each song in the album "Star Sign" was created to acknowledge the artistic genius of Odunsi (the Engine).
As an artist that focuses more on portraiture, Tolulope receives most of her inspiration from the people around her and also by attending social events. By attending these social events, she can observe people's behaviors, mannerisms, and authentic selves. As a result, she is able to take notes on people's auras and interpret them in the form of art. This is why she jogs around the color wheel.
Inspired by the album, "rare" by Odunsi(the Engine). The album "Rare" was the highlight of Tolulope's teen years. From late-night jamming to the unforgettable memories attached to each song in the album "Star Sign" was created to acknowledge the artistic genius of Odunsi (the Engine).
Star Signs-2 | Mixed Media
$75
"I believe that paintings are much softer with bright tones, it often indicates the graceful feelings that are felt while painting."
Bad Commando | Acrylic
$75
"Bad Commando"
Growing up in an energetic city like Lagos has indeed influenced her paintings. The different characters, personalities, and rugged nature of the city all play a role in her artwork. The vibrant and ever-busy city has shaped the way she utilizes colors to tell her story. From the numerous festivals to the weekly "owambe" celebrations with the different colors and attires, it is no surprise that colors have become a big theme of Tolulope's artistic career.
It is an interactive piece. The power is in the hands of the viewer. Take whatever resonates within you when you admire the artwork.
sense | Pastel
As a young immigrant from Nigeria whose family history is deeply rooted in STEM, Tolulope has found her way into the artistic world by connecting to the inward self of being and the uniqueness of being human. Depicting authentic ness through the use of vibrant colors and artistic techniques.
feeling blue | Acrylic
It is okay to feel down. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to feel blue. Sad days are inevitable, and that's the beauty of it. One has to experience extreme lows to truly appreciate the highs, because without sadness, happiness holds no value.
"Artists are the middle ground between the internal world and the physical world."
Tolulope Owolabi
@toluarts
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