Tunde Odunlade
solo exhibition | quilts + works on paper
The Colors of Dialogue
November 15 - December 31, 2024
about the exhibition
Art @ 967 Payne is thrilled and honored to announce its next exhibition, ‘The Colors of Dialogue,’ featuring a fabulous collection of 40 works by Tunde Odunlade, an internationally renowned textile and print artist from Nigeria.
Tunde Odunlade’s art draws on the rich history of Yoruba art and culture, modern-day life in Nigeria, and his passion for music and humanity. It blends contemporary and traditional techniques. Tunde does not create “art for art’s sake.” Rather, he is committed to “art with a purpose.” His work aims to reach across cultural differences; raise awareness among his own people and the international community about both the potential and the challenges facing Nigeria; and open a dialogue about the need for common understanding and shared goals to bridge the gap amongst nations.
In that spirit, in these times of anomie in so many places, Tunde’s colorful and inspiring quilts, batiks, paintings, collages and prints coming together in the ‘Colors of Dialogue’ exhibition will hopefully lend themselves to healing, informing and creating awareness towards a greater community and enlightened humanity.
about the artist
Tunde Odunlade is a print and textile artist who has exhibited, taught, lectured, studied and traveled extensively within Nigeria and throughout Africa, North America, and Europe. He has also performed as an actor with the Nigerian National Troop and various other theatrical organizations. In addition, he has recorded several CDs that integrate poetry and music. He lives in Ibadan, in the southwestern part of Nigeria.
His visual artworks has been displayed in dozens of solo and group shows. His pieces can be found in the collections of many institutions, including the Smithsonian Museum of African Art as well as the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the MacArthur Foundation Collection in Chicago, and the State House in Lagos, Nigeria. His work is also in the collections of many private individuals in North America, Europe, and Nigeria.
Tunde studied in the early 1970’s with Yinka Adeyemi, a member of the Oshogbo school of art that was largely responsible for the explosion of creative contemporary art emanating from Nigeria. Tunde was also a participant and pupil of the Oguntimehin Art Workshop under the auspices of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.
Tunde has always been deeply committed to expanding opportunities for other artists. He co-founded the Toki Memorial Arts Centre in Ibadan, where he served as artistic director for 14 years. This center became a major force in discovering and nurturing artists who have gone on to successful international careers. He is the founder of the International Campaign for Better Arts and Cultural Awareness (ICBACA), a non-profit organization dedicated to using art to bridge gaps between cultures – both at home in Nigeria and abroad. He also founded its sister organization, a for-profit gallery and artist representation services, the International Center for Better Arts and Cultural Arcade (ICBACA Ltd) and the Tunde Odunlade Artist Cooperative Gallery in Ibadan.
invitation to opening event + artist reception
All are invited to our Opening Event and Artist Reception on Friday, November 15, 5-9 pm. Please join us, meet Tunde Odunlade in person, explore his fantastic work, and be inspired and uplifted by his vision, imagery, and captivating personality.
