Damilola Ilori

The young artist Damilola Illori was born in 1995 in Oyo state of Nigeria. Swimming in bright hues of surfaces, Damilola’s portraits are stark representations of an unchanged social life.  Narrating the scenes of common women through simple sketches, the works are an enquiry into the momentary happening. Are these African women draped in colourful and floral motifs highlight the identity-politics? Or do they embark on redemption? The enquiries originate from the selection of bright swathes of paint.

Domilola began his art training during his school days. He received his National Certificate in Education on Fine and Applied Arts at the Federal College of Education (SP), Oye, Nigeria. Having participated in several group exhibitions as well as art competitions, he is inspired by the works of Kerry James Marshall and Oluwole Omofemi. Working in the mediums of oil, and acrylic on canvas,  his works are representative of the social and cultural sphere. While society is depicted through the portraits, the drapery enhances the cultural associations and symbolism.

Fetching appreciation for his practice, the celebrated artist Domilola’s works demand a probing view. Delving into the palette, especially, the figures gaze us back with poignancy and intensity. The artist believes in the emotional context and significance of eyes as a road to the psyche’s instability and thought. Society being an important inspiration, his works instead of commenting on it allow us to live with it–live with the presence. Is he a realist or a surrealist? Does he border on expressionism or impressionistic style? The portraits meander beyond the accountable styles, rather they live  within and without.

 Damilola Ilori lives and works in Nigeria.