About Adedolapo Boluwatife
Adedolapo Boluwatife is a photographer and film maker from Lagos Nigeria. Born in Ojodu area of Lagos, in 1996, he studied English Language and Literary studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
After years of being a writer, and a sketch artist, in the zeal to further explore more media of expression, Adedolapo joined the University photography club. There he served as the vice president after just a year of joining and had his first ever physical exhibition. It was at this community he was exposed to modernist/Avant Garde style of photography. He studied works of Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, Man Ray, Ansel Adams, Viviane Sassen and Rotimi Fani Kayode.
We are excited to publish the interview Hue&Eye had with him.
Let’s start from the basics. What’s your name, and where have you grown up?
Hello, my name is Adedolapo Boluwatife, and I’m from Lagos, Nigeria.
Hello Adedolapo. When or how have you understood you wanted to become an artist?
Art became a very comfortable means of expression and communication for me at a very young age, for me being an introvert. I started drawing comics before my teens, then I started writing and doing a lot of calligraphy, until my encounter with photography in college. It became the most conducive atmosphere of expression for me.
Can you briefly tell us more about your technique and what drives you to make art?
My work is basically an expression of my thoughts regarding anything. Its an exposition of my opinions, beliefs, and struggles. It basically is a way of communicating for me. My works are metaphors but could be direct, depending on the depth of the message. The driving force towards my photography comes out of every time I have something to show or express.
What is the main feature that, throughout the years, has changed in your works or practice ?
Over the years, the major thing that seem to have changed is the awareness behind my photographs.
Which artist primarily inspires your work? And is there something else, outside visual arts, that keeps you motivated?
There are several artists who inspire my work, but the most is Dutch- South African female photographer Vivianne Sassen. Another thing that keeps me motivated is music and alcohol.
How would you like people to engage with your work?
I would like people to relate with my work with an open mind. I’d love my work to be defined in the most personal way possible.
To learn more about him, go here >>>
