Aragbada Olayinka

Aragbada Stephen (b.1993) is a highly
skilled and expressive visual artist, specializing in painting. His passion for art began in early
childhood and has been a driving force
throughout his life. Stephen is constantly striving to improve his craft, seeking out new ideas and
concepts, and collaborating with other artists to
push the boundaries of his work.
Stephen holds a National Diploma (N.D) in Fine Art from The Polytechnic of Ibadan, and has undergone additional training at the Universal
Studios of Art in Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria. He
furthered his education at Obafemi Awolowo
University, where he earned a B.A in Fine Arts.
Stephen is now a full-time practicing studio artist.
His works are focused on capturing the
moments and natural phenomena that define the human experience, from colonial times to
contemporary times. He celebrates black skin as
an African artist, promoting positive
representations of blacks, diaspora, and brown
skin Africans. As a painter, Stephen uses colors
and drawings to document and freeze memories
and moments for future reference. His work is
highly relatable, allowing viewers to connect
deeply with his art.
Stephen's paintings have been exhibited in
ar...

He studied at the Polytechnic of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, and further on his studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, ile-Ife Osun state, Nigeria and he has been a full-time studio artist to date.

- Finalist at Life in Ibadan Zone Exhibition, 2018, Enugu State, Nigeria
-Top 100 Finalist Artist at Union Bank Art Challenges Exhibition, 2017
- Exhibited at Kokopeli Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, 2021
- Participant at Obafemi Awolowo @ 60 Art Exhibition, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, 2021-2022
- Featured Artist at Art in Medicine Charity Exhibition, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, 2021
- Exhibitor at My Drim Art Fair, Ikoyi, Lagos, 2017 & 2018
- Group Exhibition at Mitochondria Gallery, Texas, USA, 'Florescence', 2022
- Exhibited at Tiny White Art Gallery/Blue Gallery, NYC, USA, 'I am that I am', 2022
- Featured at Doze Art Gallery, Brooklyn, NYC, USA, 'Art from the Mother Land', 2022
- Participated in 'Beyond Araism' Exhibition at Fobally Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, showcasing Obafemi Awolowo University graduates, 2023
- Duo Show, 'BLACK X', at NYCH Art Gallery, Chicago, IL, 2024

Further details.
@aragbadasteven on I.G.