Opedun Unfurls Solo Exhibition Makovenice for Humanity

Yinka Olatunbosun

A Lagos-based contemporary visual artist, Damilola Opedun creates an artistic solution to alleviate diverse challenges using his new body of work. Christened ‘Makovenice,’ his solo art exhibition of over 30 pieces opens on June 26 at Signature Beyond Gallery, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Needless to say, the theme is derived from two words representing two cities ‘Makoko’ and ‘Venice.’

In a statement preceding the show, Opedun- a graduate of Auchi polytechnic- revealed that the concept of the exhibition is an idea that portrays life as beyond what is seen with mere physical eyes. For him, ‘Makovenice’ involves seeing and living beyond geographical constraints, regardless of the prevailing conditions.

‘Makovenice’ is further described as “trans-dimensional vision or perception of reality and a deep belief that all things are truly possible.” Opedun is highly influenced by the virtual experience. Hence, it is not far-reaching to find some of his works alluding to emoji and smileys in his paintings. In this show, his attention is focused on inspiring the disadvantaged.

“Through my interactions with people I come across, especially the children I teach in Makoko Oko-Agbon, I have become increasingly aware of the lack of this type of vision, which is an inevitable element for advancement. And this should not be the case for us,” Opedun stated. “Therefore, with ‘Makovenice,’ I hope to activate in the audience this wonderful intrinsic perception of reality, to live beyond current limitations in our world, also wishing that through this show, I can intelligibly convey my unflinching love and desire to be the voice for the marginalised people, especially that of the children of the stilt community of Makoko Oko-Agbon.”

Whilst acting as a bridge between them and the intellectual world, he intends to attract the desired assistance to them, especially in the area of education. In 2010, Opedun graduated from The School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo state, as the best student of Higher National Diploma (HND) in Painting. From 2015, he became a full-time studio artist. Two of the works for the exhibition include Revelation oil on canvas, 36” X 48” (2019); and transition, oil on canvas, 48” X 48” (2021).

In the gallery statement, Signature Beyond described Opedun’s show as one of its best exhibits yet.

“The artist goes beyond a master by right in his craftsmanship, he is also behind The Seed of the True Vine Foundation, a non-governmental organization that cares for the education and welfare of children living in ghettos since 2015.”

Asides being an artist, Opedun is a humanist. “Opedun is an amazing artist as well as a great human being,” said Rahman Akar, the Founder, Signature Beyond Art Gallery. Akar said Opedun “is a reflection of what we stand for.”

Signature Beyond boasted of successful impact in its decades of handling artists, with reference to its contribution to the art scene.

“We are professionals, sincere and transparent, purely designated for the art and art alone. When we sell art, we want you to be fully aware of who you’re buying so we are not here to impress you with a glass of champagne or a red carpet,” he added.