Dyslexia artist beats all odds to hold first exhibition

Rising to overcome a medical condition called ‘Dyslexia’ and inspired by music, his environment and Nigerians’ colourful way of life, a new entrant into artwork, Abidemi Demuren, held his first art exhibition recently at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos. The exhibition had as theme ‘Unity in Diversity’ and featured over 19 stimulating art pieces from Demuren’s diverse pool of muse, which varied from the popular drummers at owambe parties to the wheelbarrow pushers in Lagos markets, and his musical influences and recycling habit.

While speaking on his love for artwork, Demuren said the country’s diversity, his love for music and how he relates to people in different environments combined to help him translate his thoughts into the body of works in the exhibition.

While expressing his happiness at the successful unveiling of the artworks, the artist thanked those who supported him by purchasing pieces of his works and encouraged them to continue to support his life through art.

At the event, an art enthusiast, Tola Talabi, remarked that as a modest collector he welcomed the opportunity to view the works of a new talent with a unique style. He described Demuren’s use of cutouts, cardboard and recycled tins in some of the works as unusual and rare in any other contemporary Nigerian artist.

He said, “My impression of the theme of the exhibition is that it is about music and work. I purchased an abstract piece with a musical theme for my collection. I look forward to discovering some hidden messages on that piece. I intend to continue to follow this artist as his work evolves.”

In her own assessment, Head of Talents and Project Manager, Upfront and Personal Global Management Consultant, Andrea Manuela Giaccaglia, said the art pieces on display were very true to Nigerians’ surroundings, adding that she love the effect they have when looking at them both up close or from afar.

Born in the late 70s in Lagos, the artist grew up in the era of comic, illustration, and drawing books, using of colouring pencils and anything else he could find to drift off into his own dreamland. At an early age, he started recreating ideas and thoughts as they appeared in his subconscious.

Demuren’s flair for artistic work also extends into music, starting from his early years in the choir, where he played drums. He taught himself how to play the piano, flute, guitar and later, the saxophone. A man of many talents, he also picked up ceramic sculpting and pottery along the way. His style of mixed media has won several art contests, including four New York State regional art installations.

Challenged by his dyslexia condition, Demuren vowed never to quit but opted to develop himself. According to him, art and dyslexia are picture perfect combinations. He noted that some of the world’s greatest artists like Pablo Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci, Auguste Rodin and Jackson Pollock were known to have some form of dyslexia and yet they still achieved great success.

Following in their footsteps, Demuren moved back to Nigeria two years ago to share his vision and art with the place where it all started. He has uniquely combined his own view of the African culture with his art, which can be seen in some of the works.

Personalities at the event included Chairman, Board of Directors, Guarantee Trust Bank, Dr. Harold Demuren, Executive Director, GTB, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Head, Events and Experiential Marketing, GTBank, Olutola Omotola, On-Air Personality, Beat FM, Mr. Babajide Sipe, Toolz and art curator, Ayo Alex Ogunsan.