An Artistic Reflection of Life’s Phases and Transitions

Mary Nnah

Tayo Ayelowo’s captivating exhibition, “Phases”, now on display at the Didi Museum in Victoria Island, Lagos, until September 8th, offers a profound reflection on the various stages of human life. Through a diverse collection of sculptures and paintings, Ayelowo masterfully captures the complexities of life’s phases and transitions, weaving together themes of personal growth, societal commentary, and environmental awareness.
As the artist insightfully noted, “Every ten years of a human life, you go through a phase. Phase of knowing, phase of education, phase of realisation, phase of rebirth, phase of having children, phase of attaining and achieving in life and career.”
This exhibition is a powerful celebration of Ayelowo’s skill in using art to explore and express the intricacies of the human experience.

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by a stunning collection of paintings that depict different phases of human existence. Created with acrylic on canvas, these works showcase Ayelowo’s exceptional skill in capturing the essence of life’s various stages.
From the vibrant colours that represent celebration and joy to the more muted tones that convey sadness and hardship, each piece is a reflection of the artist’s ability to evoke emotions and spark reflection. As Ayelowo noted, “My art is a way of expressing what I feel inside at every phase of my life.”

One of the paintings, a beautiful depiction of a Benin bride getting married, showcases Ayelowo’s attention to detail and her ability to capture the essence of African culture.
Another piece, a boy catapulting, highlights the artist’s skill in conveying movement and energy. These works, and many others like them, demonstrate Ayelowo’s deep connection to her African heritage and her ability to use art to tell stories that are both personal and universally relatable.

The sculptures on display are equally impressive, made from recycled metal nuts gathered from mechanics’ workshops and moulded into thought-provoking faces that represent the complexities of human development and achievement.
This innovative use of sustainable materials not only reduces waste but also pays homage to the African culture of reusing and repurposing.
Ayelowo’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her artistic approach, as she explains, “In Africa, we don’t really throw things away. When we have clothes, we remodel them to give to our children… It’s part of our culture to recycle things.”

Ayelowo’s use of recycled metal nuts is not only a reflection of her creativity but also a reflection of her commitment to environmental sustainability. As she noted, “My practice is mainly sustainable art. I collected metal knots from mechanic workshops in creating beautiful metal sculptures.”
This approach not only reduces waste but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living responsibly and creatively.

One of the most striking aspects of “Phases” is the way it invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Ayelowo’s artwork prompts us to think critically about societal issues, including environmental degradation and social inequality. As the artist so poignantly puts it, “My work intends to provoke a reflective moment from the viewers. Because, as a human being, at one stage of your life or another, you’ve gone through a phase. A phase of mourning, a phase of bereavement, a phase of happiness, a phase of attainment.”

Ayelowo’s personal experiences have also had a profound impact on her art. The loss of her mother, for example, was a significant phase in her life that has influenced her work. As she noted, “Every human being has to go through that, whether we like it or not, losing a loved one. This immensely shaped my title of the theme of the exhibition, which is phase. I went through a phase then, which I needed to go into myself to draw more strength, to see the meaning of life.”

The exhibition’s impact extends beyond the art world, as it sparks important conversations about the human experience and our place within the environment.
Ayelowo’s use of recycled materials and sustainable practices serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living responsibly and creatively.
“I see myself working in collaboration with companies and international agencies that support such causes”, she noted.

As visitors leave the Didi Museum, they carry with them a newfound appreciation for the power of art to inspire change and foster empathy.

Phases is a powerful showcase of Tayo Ayelowo’s skill as an artist and her commitment to using her platform to promote positive change. This exhibition will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the art world, inspiring future generations to think creatively about the world around them.

“Phases” reflects Tayo Ayelowo’s skill as an artist and her focus on exploring life’s complexities. The exhibition offers a thought-provoking look at human experience through art.