Luminous: Nigerian Duo Redefines Luxury Art in Dubai

On the evening of 28th June 2024, Picasso Gallery in Al Quoz, Dubai, played host to a landmark cultural event — Luminous: A Blend of Gems & Art. It was an exhibition that brought together two of Nigeria’s most exciting creative voices—Busari Yusuf, founder and jewellery designer of Busar & Co., and celebrated painter Gbemileke Adekunle.

The exhibition marked a historic fusion of high jewellery and fine art, the first of its kind in the
Middle East, and one that reimagines the boundaries of both disciplines. Over the course of a single evening, collectors, critics, curators, and cultural tastemakers from around the world gathered to witness a bold new chapter in the luxury art world — one authored by two Nigerian innovators.

It was a convergence of materials, storytelling and
craftsmanship. The collection presented original paintings by Adekunle, whose
expressive brushwork and rich emotional palettes explore African identity, memory, and soul. But it was the surprising integration of natural gemstones like sapphires and pearls— embedded directly into the canvases by Yusuf — that transformed each piece into a hybrid luxury object.

“I’ve always believed that jewelry is not just adornment, it’s narrative,” said Yusuf. “By
placing gems into these paintings, we’re not just enhancing them visually — we’re adding value, history, and meaning. These are heirlooms, not just artworks.”

Key pieces included The Sapphire Canvas: A deep-toned portrait adorned with real sapphires, evoking themes of
cosmic depth and eternal wisdom; The Pearl Piece: A striking work blending layered oil textures and freshwater pearls to reflect evolution, resilience, and beauty in silence.

The Exhibition at Picasso Gallery held on June 28th, the opening night of Luminous was a well-attended affair, with a cross-section of the region’s most influential figures in art, fashion, and luxury in attendance.

The warm lighting of Picasso Gallery set the stage for an immersive, almost spiritual
experience — one that encouraged viewers to step closer and examine not just the paintings, but the embedded stones that glimmered with intentional placement.

“There was a visible shift in energy as people realised they were looking at something entirely new,” shared a Dubai-based art consultant. “This is the kind of work that moves markets — and minds.”

While the exhibition was hosted in Dubai, the cultural heartbeat of Luminous was undeniably
Nigerian. Both Yusuf and Adekunle are based in Nigeria and have drawn deep inspiration from their heritage, infusing this international collaboration with African grace, symbolism, and
emotional depth.

“We wanted to prove that African artists are not just participating in global conversations — we’re
leading them,” said Adekunle. “This is our voice, our aesthetic, and our time.”

The success of Luminous represents a significant milestone for Nigerian creatives breaking into international markets — not just as participants, but as pioneers of new genres.

Following the acclaim surrounding Luminous, both artists have hinted at future collaborations, private commissions, and international showcases. There are ongoing discussions with collectors
in Europe, North America, and the Gulf region for bespoke works that continue this new language of gemstone-infused art.

Meanwhile, Busar & Co. is preparing to unveil a new line of luxury accessories and high jewellery that further pushes the boundaries between form and function, while Adekunle is already working on a new solo series expanding on themes of spirituality and personal history.