Toyin Alade to Headline Fourth Edition of Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture

 TOYIN ALADE TO HEADLINE FOURTH EDITION OF BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL LECTURE

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC), in conjunction with the Ulli Beier Society, have announced the Fourth Edition of the Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, set to take place on July 27th, 2024. Renowned artist Mr. Toyin Alade will headline the event, which will be held at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan, at 12 PM.

In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, it was revealed that Mr. Toyin Alade would be delivering a lecture on the theme, “The Impact of Atelier Upon 21st Century Art. Dreamscapes in the Works of Abayomi Barber.” This year's edition promises to be an enlightening and inspiring event, celebrating the intersection of art, culture, and education.

The Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture series was established to honor the legacy of the late Busari Agbolade. It aims to foster creativity and cultural appreciation through the arts. Each edition has explored different artistic themes and their contributions to cultural heritage, featuring renowned artists and scholars who have significantly impacted their fields.

Mr. Toyin Alade is a celebrated artist known for his innovative approach to contemporary art. His works often explore the boundaries of traditional and modern art forms, creating a unique blend that resonates with a wide audience. His lecture will delve into the influence of the atelier, or artist's studio, on 21st-century art, highlighting the dreamscapes in the works of the illustrious artist Abayomi Barber.

The event is expected to attract art enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public, providing an opportunity to engage with Mr. Alade's insights and perspectives on modern art practices. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a Q&A session, allowing for an interactive and enriching experience.

Wole Adedoyin emphasized the importance of the lecture series in promoting cultural heritage and artistic expression. "The Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture is a platform that brings together artists, scholars, and the community to celebrate and explore the rich cultural tapestry of our society. We are honored to have Mr. Toyin Alade headline this year's edition," he said.

MEET OUR GUEST ARTIST/GUEST SPEAKER

Toyin Alade is a renowned Nigerian artist celebrated for his captivating paintings that seamlessly blend realism, surrealism, and historical themes. Born in 1961, Alade embarked on his artistic journey in 1980 at the prestigious Abayomi Barber School of Thought. Over the years, he has participated in numerous joint exhibitions and garnered several awards, including second prize in a national art competition organized by Rank Xerox in the 1990s.

Alade's artwork often delves into Yoruba history, particularly the wars, earning him acclaim for both cultural significance and technical prowess.

 Self-employed since 1985, he currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Abayomi Barber School of Thought (ABTS). His works are cherished in private collections both in Nigeria and abroad, attesting to his immense talent and dedication to his craft. Additionally, Alade is a distinguished fellow of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).

PROFILE OF LATE BUSARI OLANIYI AGBOLADE

Busari Olaniyi Agbolade, a professional painter and steel fabricator, was born on July 13, 1948. He attended A.U.D Primary School in Ila Orangun from 1955 to 1960 and L.A Secondary School in Ila Orangun from 1961 to 1963. He later apprenticed at Adegoke Metal Construction Company from 1965 to 1967.

Between 1969 and 1975, Agbolade worked with Niger West Construction Company, Niger Dam Authority, and Uren Construction Engineering Company. In 1976, he studied aluminum and copper artistic panel beating under Yekini Agboola, an apprentice to Chief Ashiru Olatunde of the Osogbo School.

In 1980, he joined the Abayomi Barber School of Thought at the University of Lagos to study painting. Agbolade worked at the University of Lagos from 1980 until he resigned in 1993 to pursue a full-time career as an artist.

Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade participated in numerous exhibitions, including the Barber School Exhibition sponsored by N.C.A.C in 1984, Benue State Art Exhibition in 1985, Lagos State Art Council in 1986, “Man in Focus” exhibition by the Federal Department of Culture in 1986, an exhibition of paintings and batiks by three Nigerian artists in Dakar, Senegal in 1987, and an exhibition of paintings, batiks, carvings, and ceramics by six Nigerian artists with 843 Studio Gallery in East New York, USA from October to December 1988. He also exhibited with the Lagos State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (S.N.A.) annually from 1991 to 2009.

Some of Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade’s notable commissioned works include portraits of HRH Aholu Menu Toyi, Akran of Badagry, Orangun of Ila, Oba William Adetona Ayeni, and other prominent Nigerians both at home and abroad. His painting "Mother and Child" was commissioned by 843 Studio Gallery in New York, USA.

His paintings can be viewed at Electronic Exhibition of Mr. Busari Olaniyi Agbolade's Painting Works. Before his death, Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade was the Chairman of the AZA Artists and Writers Movement.