Adebayo’s Igi Aruwe ends today at Alliance Francaise, Ibadan

The city of Ibadan is experiencing the aesthetic myth of the Osogbo ‘sacred arts’ in the art exhibition of Murtala Adebayo at the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan. The central theme, Beyond Thoughts, in ‘Igi Aruwe’, a batik in two parts, provides what life does not in a haunted life when only art becomes the stairs that never creeks.

As you gawk at his oil on canvas, batik, tie and dye, Murtala lures you into the illusion of a reality, which is more fulfilling than living in this synthetic world. In his wordless sermon on human development and self-actualization, he teases the eyes and spiritualises all the senses. A protégé of Nike Okundaye, influences of Twins Seven Seven and Jimoh Buraimoh are evident in Murtala forms.

After losing his sight to glaucoma, without dishonouring the world, Adebayo takes you into the deliberate artifice of our emotions; the heart of human creativity. In ‘Apalara,’ he emphasised hard work as a creative process. As a saxophonist/talking drummer, Adebayo’s batik, ‘Melody Maker’, expressed music in time and space. ‘Accept God’ is a spiritual definition of belief and capacity building. In totality, Adebayo enjoins us to enjoy this journey called life, pains and all.

Director, Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Nicola Michelland, said the exhibition is part of the ongoing annual ‘Life In My City show to promote Nigerian creativity. The exhibition ends today, July 30, 2017.