A seasoned Islamic artist, Ridwan Osinowo, recently captivated Muslim art enthusiasts and the public with a one-day salon Islamic art show themed Alhamdulullah at Radisson Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.
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The exhibition attracted high networth guests, Muslim philanthropists, politicians, scholars and professionals among who are, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Alhaji Tajudeen Gbadamosi, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido; Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, and Dr Naheem Deen Ekemode, among others.

The exhibition featured a collection of Ridwan’s painting, mixed media and wood routing, each focused on the depiction of patterns and Arabic calligraphy rather than human or animal shapes carefully produced so as not to interfere with the clarity of the Arabic words or distract from the content of the text.

His distinctive artworks combine the ability to blend vibrant colours with Arabic alphabets, with a touch of abstraction. The art piece expressed Muslim art and encouraged viewers to reflect on their relationship with Almighty Allah.

Osinowo, CEO of Halal Art Gallery and Merit Expressions and Corporate Services Ltd, specialises in Islamic art with versatility in graphic design, painting and printing. He is a native of ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. He obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND), in painting in 1996 from Yaba College of Technology.

He has taken part in over 10 group exhibitions and five solo shows at home and abroad. His works adorn private and public places across borders. He is a member of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).

On the theme, ‘Alhamdulillah’, he said: “I believe some people don’t appreciate what they say when it comes to saying Alhamdulillah. I want them to come and see how I’ve been able to use Arabic calligraphy, Alhamdulillah, to do. Seeing all these, they would realise why they need to say Alhamdulillah.”

Why calling on Nigerian government to prioritise Islamic artwork, as this should be part of the education curriculum, he assured hopefully next year, an Islamic gallery would be established.

Promoter of the show, Deputy President of the Southwest Muslim Ummah of Nigeria (MUSWEN), Ebiti, said the exhibition is to create more awareness of what Islam is all about and to showcase the limitless possibilities that Allah has offered Muslims in terms of creativity, investment opportunities and cooperation.

“In Islam, Arabic calligraphy is enjoined, because we cannot display pictures but we can display written words, likewise Quranic quotations to inspire and motivate.”

Former Judge, High Court, Lagos State, Justice Isola Olorunnimbe, commended the zeal, perseverance, commitment and patience of Ridwan Osinowo’s dedication to his work.

“All his artworks are unique and marvellous, you will never know that they are produced locally. He is talented, when you are talking of Arabic calligraphy, you think of Turkey, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, but this is made in Nigeria, it makes us proud,” Olorunnimbe said.

While pledging support to the yet to be established gallery in Lagos, Olusi added, “incidentally, my father was the first Muslim Oba of Lagos. He was also the one who designed the crown in the pattern of the turban. I came from a lineage that is interested in the preservation of Art and culture. I have the privilege to serve the Lagos State Art Council and a foundation member of the council.”

Chairman and founder Misbaudeen Islamic Centre, Alhaji Musbaudeen Bolarinwa, attested to the specialty of the artist’s work, noting that painting done in his mosque decades ago, still looks new and modern.
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