Lagos: The National Gallery of Arts (NGA) says the death of ace Artiste, Olu Ajayi, has left a deep void in Nigeria’s cultural, artistic, and intellectual landscape. The Director-General of NGA, Mr. Ahmed Sodangi, said this in a statement on Ajayi’s passing reportedly on May 23, at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ajayi left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape through his alluring works. Sodangi noted that with a career spanning over four decades, Ajayi made an unfading impact through his innovative and captivating creations. His legacy and immeasurable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage will be sorely missed.
Sodangi highlighted Ajayi’s artistic style, characterized by bold use of colors and pseudo-human figures, which featured prominently in successful solo exhibitions around the world, including Nigeria, South Africa, USA, UK, Canada, and other European countries. His works have been sold at Burnham’s Auction house, further solidifying his reputation as a master artiste listed in the Who-is-Who in Art Compendium and honored as a top 100 artist.
The director-general praised Ajayi’s contribution to Nigerian art, expressing hopes for the peaceful repose of his soul and for his legacy to continue inspiring future generations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajayi, a native of Ososo, Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, was born on Aug. 18, 1963. He graduated from Auchi Polytechnic with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fine Arts in 1984, becoming one of the first graduate artists to venture into full-time studio practice. A renowned painter, cartoonist, and art aficionado, Ajayi had served as past chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos State Chapter. He was also a trustee of the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) and a board member of the Visual Art Society of Nigeria (VASON). Ajayi instituted the October Rain and Art Caf© events, which have become the hallmark of SNA’s yearly programs.