Abisola Gbadamosi: Life In Colour
Abisola Gbadamosi is a young woman who is slowly working her way up the artistic ladder. With her unique creative style, which utilises vibrant colours to express deep and personal themes, her work has been featured in a number of exhibitions both home and abroad—most recently at the Rele Young Contemporaries 2018. The Guardian Life team caught up with her to ask her questions about her life and art.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Abisola Kuburat Gbadamosi, 22. I have been a proactive designer and an art or architecture enthusiast from a very young age, which led me to be eager to learn and develop the necessary skills to succeed and give back to my community. I work with multiple mediums including oil, acrylic, ink, pastel and colour pencil but my top area of interest [is] watercolour. My work so far stems from personal stories and are reflective of experiences crucial to my growth and journey.
How did you get into art?
Art has always been linked to every emotion I feel and never a hobby. I started working with play-doh and doodles at a very young age, then worked my way up the creativity ladder as I studied art at different stages of my education.
Can you share some of your experiences on this path so far?
The journey has been refreshing because it feels like a breath of fresh air. Some of my noticeable achievements [are] showcasing among phenomenal people at the Art In Mind exhibition in London, Afrikulture at Freedom Park, Nike Art Gallery and a residency at Zarnellia Gallery.
Also, staying true to my identity and myself, communicating my work and learning how to work on a narrative to achieve a body of work were huge challenges and have definitely been life-changing. I appreciate the challenges of life; they make you who you are and that’s a fact. I’ve learnt so many things along the way and I’m still learning. Sometimes I even find myself making the weirdest mistakes, but it’s all part of the process and I have to trust it.
How would you describe your art?
The best term for it is euphoric; however, most people say it’s enchanting. It’s vibrant, colourful and emotional, so people can easily connect to it. It can get dark sometimes but I haven’t showcased that side of my art yet.
What’s your creative process like?
My creative process can be very personal. Sometimes, I sit and research on some things I’d like to share or express but, most of the time, I just flow as the emotions flow. Whenever I feel a burst of emotion, whether positive or negative, I usually look for a way to express it using my art as a medium.
Can you shed some light on the concept behind your paintings for The Butterfly Series?
I was trying to depict the story of life and death using butterflies as the main ideology; they are deep and powerful representations of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life.
Do you have any ongoing or upcoming series or projects that you are willing to share?
I’m currently working on a three-piece series inspired by the song Bridge Of Light by Pink.
Do you have any advice for upcoming arts out there?
You have one life. Perfectionism is a myth; stay true to yourself, never stop pushing for a better you and all will fall into place.
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