Over two decades since he started painting, multi-disciplinary artist, Fortune Ossai is finally stepping into the spotlight with his debut solo show.

Titled, Time and Chance, the exhibition opens July 19 at Fobally Gallery in Lekki and will run till August 2, 2025.

Featuring 30 compelling artworks including paintings, drawings and photographs, each work tells a story of patience, passion and perseverance.

For the visual artist, painter and photographer, Time and Chance is more than an exhibition; it is his life’s story. “To be honest, the title speaks to me and my journey so far. I have been painting for about 25 years but this is my very first solo exhibition.”

Speaking on the inspiration behind the exhibition’s theme, the graduate of Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, said he it was the Holy Book. “The title came to me from the Bible, specifically, Ecclesiastes chapter 9, verse 11. I have always wanted to do a solo exhibition, but it never just happened till now. I stumbled on Fobally Gallery on Instagram and decided to place a call to them- to take a chance if you like. I saw they had an opening and I took it. This is my set time. This is my chance,” he said.

From oil on canvas to charcoal and photography, his technique reveals a mastery that can only be born from time-tested dedication and experience.

Among his standout pieces is The Good Fight, an acrylic painting on canvas of a fierce boxer draped in a colourful attire. “When opportunities come to you, how do you handle them? Do you even notice them when they come? Like this boxer, you have to fight to make progress and it must be a good fight that gives you a desired outcome,” he said.

Another piece, Delight, shows a young child with an oversized turban—a playful yet profound metaphor for a future filled with potential, yet weighted with the patience it requires. “That speaks to me too. I made the turban oversized- there is a future but there is a waiting period and you have to be patient.”

Ossai explained that he has never felt pressure or weighted down by expectations. “I think my painting now is better than 10, 20 years ago because I have more experience now. Also, the older you get, the less you’re influenced by others’ works and you become more original and refined,” he explains.

Adding that he intends to exhibit more going forward, he said he hopes to mentor and guide upcoming artists.

Exhibition curator, Adetiloye Oluwatosin Jekami, noted that the theme is fitting and captivating. Pointing out that the artworks speak on resilience, he said it also fuses the artists’ love for combat sports as well. “We picked works that relate with the theme and also show his dexterity as an artist. We want people to ask where he’s been all these years, to be held spellbound, when they come for the exhibition, based on how compelling the artworks will come across to viewers. The exhibitions title is not a mistake, it is very deliberate. We know times are difficult now but opportunities abound and we want people to take the following away from the exhibition- patience, tenacity and intentionality.”

Jekami said the exhibition will serve as an instructional material for many that are lost and not taking opportunities where and when they can.

Speaking, Creative Director, Fobally Art Gallery, Folasade Abiola, said the exhibition’s theme sparks curiosity which is great.

Abiola added that Ossai’s journey would resonate with many Nigerians, especially in times like these. “So many artistes, very talented ones, struggle to be seen and get the world to notice their art. His passion spoke to us, exhibiting for the first time after two decades of painting- we couldn’t say no. His work cuts across different mediums, he is an embodiment of talent,” she said.

Chairman of the gallery, Larry Segun-Lean, described Ossai as a multi-talented artist that excels in all art forms he has embraced.