About Olatunji Benjamin
Olatunji Benjamin is a Nigerian contemporary painter and a mixed media Artist. He was trained as a painter at the School of Art at the Yaba College of Technology in Lagos before he started his explorative research. He earned the General Art’s national diploma and later specialized in painting which gained him a Higher National Diploma. While in school, he had the opportunity to meet great artists engaging in collaborative projects.
His work experience with other artists acquired him more exposure.
However, before 2010, when Olatunji discovered himself as an artist, he was an apprentice under different masters most of who were realists. He started as an impressionist, and realist, and now is an abstract expressionist.
He explores the pictorial potential of pure abstraction. He uses a visual language of shape, form, color, and line to create a composition that exists with a degree of independence from visual references in the world.
Hue&Eye interviewed him to discover more about what drove Olatunji to make art.
Let’s start from the basics. What’s your name and where have you grown up?
My name is Olatunji Benjamin, I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, Africa.
When or how have you understood you wanted to become an artist?
I understood I would be an artist at the age of ten as I could draw on any surface with any material.
May you briefly describe your technique and tell us what drives you to make art?
My artwork’s technique is primarily underpainting. I allow the first layer of the background color to reflect in the final painting.
The drive for making art comes from the inner struggles of reality. Creating art is a spiritual enlightenment for me, it speaks about my subconsciousness which I believe can also liberate others who see my art.
What is the main feature that has changed in your works or practice throughout the years?
The main feature that has changed in my works is moving from realism to abstract expressionism, figurative abstract, and now figurative surrealism.
Which artist primarily inspires your work? And is there something else, outside visual arts, that keeps you motivated?
I’m inspired by Kehinde Wiley, and above visual art, music keeps me motivated. I love playing the piano.
How would you like people to engage with your work?
I would like people to engage with my work by sharing via different platforms, or by having a sense of ownership.
To purchase Olatunji’s artwork, go here >>>
Or to follow him on Instagram, go here >>>
Read similar articles on Hue&Eye >>>
