After Ikore, Aladegbongbe goes introspective In Time

Aderinsoye Ademorin Aladegbongbe is a pastor and visual arts teacher. But he does not wear his religion like cross. He is a pastor with a difference. He believes in inclusivity and nature is made whole by God for everyman’s use, whether you serve God, worship him or don’t even believe in him at all.

His art is a product of his environment: His philosophy, his religion and his culture. His background as a Christian readily comes to bear and makes him encourage his audience to sow the seed of truth and the seed of hope and love.

He is not a small fry neither is he a greenhorn in the pedagogy and practice of art both in the academia and the studio with special reference to drawing, painting, metal and wood crafts, mixed media, and installation genre at both local and global space.

He has lunched and endeared himself and his art practice to the minds and collections of his audience, proteges, mentees, students, art dealers and collectors alike. So, for every of his show, he weaves a dialogue that celebrates the African cosmogony.

This assertion is best gleaned from the outstanding solo, joints, group exhibitions, workshop participations and facilitations, projects and commissions to mention just a few.

In fact, his last show, titled, Ikore, which held at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, in September 2024, Aladegbogbe produced works that were not only profound, but they called for perseverance. He encouraged his audience to sow the seed of truth and the seed of hope and love.

In his upcoming show, In Time, he embarks on a journey through time, interrogating endless possibilities, growth and self -discovery. His works are deepened with immediacy and movements in composition, while also capturing the essence of his subject matter rather than the details.

The Ikore exhibition underscores the fact that there is season for everything under the sky and there is harvest after a period of planting. What you sow is certainly what you reap.

The artist, while pointing attention to the truth that creativity is a big venture and it is those who have invested time, skills, materials, and commitment, and who draws the divine providence that can expect abundance in harvest.

His latest show, which opens on March 5 to 31, 2025, at the Yaba College of Technology and March 15 to 29 at the National Museum, Lagos, deepens human reflection. It looks at the artist turning 60. The show celebrates his coming of age after a long season toiling.

Like Ikore, which is a time of rewards and a time to appreciate Olodumare, the one referred to as Olu-Ikore (the Enabler of Harvest), in his new show, he celebrates the sustenance provided by Olodumare, who oversees the big vineyard called mother earth where all planting and harvesting take place.

Says the curatorial director, Moses Ohiomokhare, “turning 60 for Aladegbongbe is not just a milestone; it is a gateway to new beginnings. Listening to him in our conversation while preparing for this exhibition, you find a man on a journey to joy and fulfilment. He puts to bear his accumulated wisdom, and experience, telling stories through his art.”

According to the curator, Aladegbongbe’s works are not only spontaneous; you’ll surely “enjoy his bright and varied use of light. I call him a great impressionist.”

“His work is also therapeutic, offering stress relief and promoting relaxation. He reminds his audience that he is philosophical and spiritual. You should, therefore, not be tired of doing what is right, because you will have a sense of accomplishment,” Ohiomokhare says.

“Aladegbongbe is proficient with his medium and there is precision and control as he demonstrates mastery of his work. Forms in similitude; expression in colours; assurance of celebration; celebrating the god of fruitfulness; harvest and many others are pieces that evoke emotions and provoke thoughts in the viewer. The works no doubt create a lasting impression on his audience. Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso are well known for their significant contribution to the art in their latter years, so, why not Aladegbongbe?” Ohiomokhare asks. “He works spontaneously and you enjoy his bright and varied use of light. The works no doubt create a lasting impression on his audience. There is that freedom to explore and it unleashes the artist within Aladegbongbe and he has a desire to fulfill his ideal life vision.”

Art, for him, is a powerful language of expression one that bridges emotions, culture, and the unseen depths of human experience. “My work is a fusion of the spiritual, culture, passion, technique, and innovation, reflecting my journey as a painter, metal constructor, and printmaker.”
He says, “my paintings, largely in the realm of semi-expressionism, are characterised by vibrant colours that evoke energy, emotion, and rhythm. Each stroke, texture, and hue is an intentional dialogue between my soul and the canvas, conveying narratives that transcend words.”

He continues, “beyond traditional techniques, my exploration in printmaking led to the discovery of Plastopaint, a unique approach that has significantly shaped my artistic identity. Alongside my metal foil productions, this innovation adds depth and dynamism to my works, reinforcing my commitment to pushing creative boundaries.”

With a career spanning over three decades, Aladegbongbe has had the privilege of showcasing his works in numerous solo and group shows, both locally and internationally. “My pieces have found homes in private collections, institutions, and corporate spaces, serving as testaments to the universality of art,” he retorts.

As an art educator, he is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of artists, sharing knowledge, and fostering creativity.

“My role as an administrator has further enriched my experience, allowing me to contribute to the growth and structure of the art community. My journey is anchored in faith as a child of God, my artistry for me is a divine calling to celebrate creation, inspire hearts, and illuminate the beauty within and around us,” he confesses.

Aladegbongbe started his art career about 38 years ago at the prestigious Yaba Art School. After his ND he proceeded to the same school for his HND in painting precisely between 1990 and 1992. As a man in a continuous search for knowledge and elevation in the sanctuary of visual artistry, Aladegbongbe proceeded to the University of Benin for his Master of Fine Art (MFA) in painting and Ph.D in painting from the same university in 2008 and 2015 respectively.

Through the rigours of hard work and fervent commitment to service, Aladegbongbe has become an accomplished master of his practice as a multi-technique and multi-skill artist who is proficient in painting, design, printmaking, and metal sculpting to mention a few.

With years of experience speckled with leadership responsibilities in the Yaba College of Technology where he has committed 28 years, he is now an effective artist, researcher, curator, teacher, and administrator.