Artwithakirash Studio

BIO

Olaniyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He earned his first BSC degree in BIOCHEMISTRY from the University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria (1991), going on to study Fine and Applied Art at Institute of Textile Technology Art & Design Lagos (1995). He now lives and works between Lagos and Austin Texas.

Olaniyi is a recipient of the Innovative Artist Award by Mid America Artist Alliance & NEA 2017, the Pollock Krasner Foundation Award 2016 & 2011, the Cultural Initiative, Capacity Building and Culture Alive Grants from the City of Austin 2016/17, Santo Foundation Grant 2015, and the Commonwealth Connection Award UK 2011.

Artist Statement

My work focuses on moments of time, fleeting moments that can be easily forgotten or transformed. Reflecting on rural versus urban life, the accelerated pace of development and social infrastructure, my works and performative activities play around social subjectivities with dramatic components, breaking down conventional barriers, in exploration of the invisible systems of power that govern everyday existence.

Standing at the intersection of creative engagement now described as transdisciplinary art, I utilize a multitude of techniques and materials, including re-purposed objects wh...

BSC HONOR IN BIO-CHEM , 1991 University of Agriculture. Abeokuta - Nigeria.
Higher National Diploma-1995 Institute of Textile Technology Arts & Design (ITTAD).Lagos-Nigeria.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 ARA ORUN KINKIN-EGUNGUN MYTHOLOGY, LAWNDALE ART CENTER HOUSTON-TX
2018 SASO L’OJU EGUN-BEHIND THE MASK, BIG MEDIUM/CANOPY GALLERY AUSTIN - TEXAS
2017 ARANPO / STITCH, DIMENSION GALLERY, TEXAS- USA
2017 ATIBABA / Here I live now, at Hardesty Arts Center, Tulsa - OK
2016 WE ARE ALL BETWITCHED AT CANOPY/ BIG MEDIUM GALLERY IN AUSTIN, TX, USA
2016 IMOLE / LIGHTS AT THE SHIRE OF PILBARA, WEST AUSTRALIA.
2016 EBUN / GIFTS, RO2 ART GALLERY, DALLAS – TEXAS, USA
2016 OJU INU/ INSIGHT, TIKHONOVA WINTNER GALLERY, HARLEM – NY.
2015 BATETELE/LIBATION, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM, STILWATER-OK
2015 ADITTU / PUZZLES, MAC GALLERY. DALLAS –TEXAS. USA (FORTH COMING MAY)
2014 GBAJUGBAJA / CELEBRATY, AT ART CURRENTS INSTITUTE NY-USA
2014 SHOPPING LIST, FREEDOM PARK AUSTIN TEXAS, USA
2014 SAJE NWA? / HOW IS THE MARKET? CARVER MUSEUM, AUSTIN-TX. USA
2014 ASHIRI / SECRET, THE MUSEUM OF HUMAN ACIEVEMENTS, AUSTIN – TEXAS, USA
2014 Et) Et) / ENTANGLE, RO2 ART GALLERY DALLAS- TEXAS- USA
2013 AKWATA ONDJUHWA KOMULUNGU, NATIONAL ART GALLERY WINDHOEK NAMIBIA.
2013 SIDE EFFECTS, CO-LAB PROJECTS SPACE, AUSTIN-TEXAS-USA
2012 UFAHAMU: INSIGHT, NAFASI ART SPACE, DAR ES SAL...