Joy Onuorah 
Lagos is bracing for a defining moment in the art scene. On October 19, Abiodun Olaku, a leading light in the Nigerian art scene, will unveil ‘Odyssey: A Retrospective of Olaku’s Drawings and Paintings’—a showcase that reflects decades of relentless passion and refined skill.
Presented by Red Heritage, the exhibition will be hosted at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, and runs until November 3, 2024. This exhibition breaks away from the tired “master’s return” trope.
Instead, it invites viewers into 43 years of hidden narratives and artistic metamorphosis. Rare pieces from Olaku’s studio are set to emerge, sparking new conversations and demanding fresh perspectives in the art world.
Olaku, who has become synonymous with consistently breath-taking and enthralling art, doesn’t just display art—he weaves stories. His works reveal complex layers that speak to anyone willing to look beyond the surface.
Among these works, “Steps & Colours” (2022) emerges as a standout. This 36 x 30-inch oil on canvas doesn’t just capture a moment; it invites the viewer into an intricate dance of hues and movement. Every colour vibrates with life, drawing you into its quiet rhythm.
It doesn’t scream for attention but instead holds it captive once gained. Olaku’s mastery is evident here—he makes you stop, look, and listen, challenging you to engage with his art on a deeper level.
Meanwhile, ‘Whispers I’ (2020 – 2023) beckons with its subtle power. The 42 x 36-inch oil on canvas feels less like a painting and more like a conversation waiting to happen. Its muted tones and soft edges evoke a sense of mystery, urging viewers to lean in closer.
What is being whispered? What secrets lie behind those delicate brushstrokes? The painting doesn’t provide easy answers, which makes it all the more intriguing. Olaku’s refusal to be confined by any single style reflects the influence of great masters.
He moves seamlessly between realism and abstract, each piece distinct but undeniably his own. ‘Turbulence (Voice of the People)’ (2022), for instance, rips through the canvas with its bold strokes and raw energy. Measuring 30 x 36 inches, this oil on canvas roars with a social critique that cannot be ignored.
Olaku uses art not just as a mirror to reflect society but as a loudspeaker to amplify the voices of the marginalised. His work, ‘A saa jeun (Man must wack)’ from the Oke Igbala Series (2022 – 2023), tackles a more personal yet universal theme—the relentless fight for survival.
This 48 x 44-inch oil on canvas serves as a stark reminder of the human condition. As if the paintings themselves weren’t impactful enough, Olaku doesn’t shy away from critiquing the present art scene. In his eyes, something crucial has been lost.
While today’s younger artists often chase trends and shortcuts, Olaku offers ‘Odyssey’ as a lesson in patience and process. His ‘Sounds of Peace (The Epilogue)’ (2022 – 2023) captures the tension between chaos and serenity, while ‘Northern Twilight’ (2022 – 2023) offers a haunting meditation on time and space.
Each work stands as a testament to his belief that art should provoke, challenge and last beyond fleeting trends.
With ‘Odyssey’, Olaku rejects the notion of art as a disposable commodity. Instead, he reaffirms art’s role as a timeless record of human existence. He challenges collectors, artists, and audiences alike to think beyond the immediate, to seek meaning that lasts beyond the trends of the day.
The exhibition isn’t just about Abiodun Olaku’s past 42 years in art—it’s about what comes next. It’s more than an exhibition—it’s a conversation about legacy, art, and society. Each painting is a chapter in a timeless narrative, inviting audiences to pause, reflect, and engage deeply. This is not just a show—it’s an artistic landmark.
