MWOYO ARTS

NOVEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER 1998

Yoruba Bead Mosaics
by Olabayo Olaniyi

November 6^th - December 31^st, 1998
Opening Reception Friday, November 6^th, 7-9 p.m.

Internationally renowned Nigerian artist OLABAYO OLANIYI is one of Africa's most original and outstanding artists. His bead mosaics are reminiscent of traditional Yoruba beadwork, but represent a contemporary style unique to the artist.

In traditional Yoruba culture, beads were reserved for the royal families. As a sign of their power and the society's affluence, elaborate bead mosaics adorned their royal staffs, crowns and other regalia. In recent times, the bead mosaic has been adapted by Olaniyi who creates complex murals depicting traditional themes, scenes of modern life, and elements from his own imagination. His technique includes layering strings of beads and blending colorful arrays of loose beads in a bed of epoxy on a plywood backing. Also included in this exhibit will be a selection of abstract work in batik on rice paper, a sophisticated combination of Western abstraction and Nigerian methods.

Olabayo Olaniyi is the first son of Chief Twin Seven Seven and Nike Davies, two of the most renowned artists from Nigeria. His home is the town of Oshogbo, the nucleus of Yoruba culture. "Art is my life, and my culture guides me through it. No matter where life takes me, I will continue to communicate with people through my art and share my culture with others to further create better understanding between people."

Works:

See previously displayed work by Olabayo Olaniyi that appeared in last year's November-December show at Mwoyo Arts.

To the Mwoyo Arts page