Born in 1982 in Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria. Saheed Adelakun is a contemporary Nigerian artist working across diverse mediums including oils, acrylic, charcoal, and pastels, on a specially made patterned cotton rope canvas.

He was a recipient of the Koko foundation scholarship for outstanding talent through the completion of his HND degree and he emerged as the overall Best Painting student, School of Arts, Design and Printing (SADP) in 2009 at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech).

In 2015, Adelakun exhibited as an Emerging artist in the Lagos State Society of Nigerian Artists Annual exhibition. Through his artistic practice years, he has featured in numerous group exhibitions in Nigeria and internationally.

He presented his debut solo exhibition in 2022 at the Mydrim Gallery, Lagos. The output of the exhibition sets in stone his presence in the Nigerian cultural scene and showcased his innovative prowess. Audiences gained a better understanding of his voice, styles and technical inventions in painting.

Several of his works have been featured in group exhibitions and collected by notable galleries and collectors both in Nigeria and abroad. His works reveal the synthesis that can be formulated from the historical identity of the African cultures, and indigenous traditions without the exaltation of any dehumanizing practices.

Artist Statement

Within each individual resides a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, interwoven with customs that nurture collective harmony. I immerse myself in these diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on the vibrant Yoruba ethos, a source of positive moral values that resonate through my art. As an artist, my journey is an odyssey of self-discovery, a quest to honor and magnify the essence of my distinctive identity-a journey that unfolds through every stroke of creativity and each tenet of belief.

My subjects, carefully conceived, serve as conduits for the uplifting Yoruba cultural ethos within my artistic expression. The intention is to paint not just mere images, but to infuse the canvas with the very essence of communal unity, fostering a profound connection between the viewer and the rich heritage that molds us.

In this creative endeavor, my chosen medium-the prepared cotton rope surface becomes more than just a canvas; it metamorphoses into an extension of my identity. Channeling the concept of "Adelakun," akin to an adept at untying knots, my art becomes a means to unravel the complexities of cultural identity. This exploration has been a meticulous endeavor spanning over a decade, symbolized by the very material I employ.
The twisted cotton rope, a supple yet resilient material, symbolizes the enduring nature of culture and the lightweight joy it brings. With this tactile medium, I bridge the gap between my heritage and my canvas, between the intangible and the tangible, to create an art form that pulsates with the life force of tradition yet dances with the contemporary.

In every stroke, every knot carefully intertwined, there is a story—an ode to the amalgamation of cultures, a testament to my journey, and an invitation to partake in the celebration of our shared human experience. Through these paintings, I extend an invitation to explore the intricacies of identity, culture, and unity, all within the threads of my art woven on the canvas of cultural heritage. Beauty Cover: Unveiling the Essence

In my recent series of paintings, I delve into the captivating tradition of Yoruba brides, drawing inspiration from the ceremonial face coverings they don before unveiling themselves to their husbands. The concept is a celebration of cultural richness, personal identity, and the unveiling of hidden layers.

Each portrait encapsulates the essence of Yoruba brides, where the veiled visage becomes a symbol of anticipation and intimacy. The veils, adorned with intricate patterns, evoke a sense of mystery and sacredness, echoing the age-old practice of concealing one's identity until the pivotal moment of revelation.

The focal point of these portraits lies in the eyes-vibrant orbs painted in a spectrum of colors. This intentional departure from convention serves to emphasize the individuality beneath the veil, inviting viewers to explore the nuanced emotions within each gaze. The colors express the diversity of personalities, experiences, and emotions that lie concealed, waiting to be uncovered.

As an artist, my commitment to Yoruba cultural understanding resonates through each brushstroke. The veils serve not only as cultural artifacts but as metaphors for the layers we present to the world. The act of painting diverse eye colors underscores the uniqueness within each woman, transcending traditional representations and embracing the multifaceted nature of identity.

These portraits invite viewers to contemplate the broader themes of identity, tradition, and the unveiling of the self. By portraying Yoruba brides in this contemporary light, I aim to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and modern expression, fostering a dialogue on the evolving narratives of identity and unveiling.

In sharing these pieces, I aspire to not only celebrate the beauty of Yoruba traditions but also to spark conversations about the universality of hidden facets within us all. Through the canvas, I invite viewers to join me in the exploration of cultural diversity, personal identity, and the unveiling of the intricate layers that make each of us beautifully unique.