MANIFESTATION Print

Olorunyemi Kolapo is a Nigerian artist whose work explores the intersections of identity, human connection, and futurism. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Kolapo has exhibited extensively across Africa, Europe, the UK, Asia, and America, presenting artworks that engage with cultural narratives and societal transformation. Born in Ilorin, Nigeria, Kolapo’s artistic journey began in his teenage years, driven by a natural inclination for creativity and an early fascination with charcoal. Despite obtaining a degree in Applied Physics, his passion for art ultimately guided his career, merging scientific inquiry with visual storytelling. This dual perspective allows him to explore themes of identity, memory, and transformation with a unique analytical depth. Kolapo’s works, primarily in oil and charcoal, capture the nuances of human emotions and cultural heritage. His ongoing exploration of Afrofuturism examines the delicate balance between technological advancement and the preservation of African identity. Through research, illustration, and symbolic portraiture, he constructs alternative narratives that reimagine African existence in the future. A prolific exhibitor, Kolapo has held five solo exhibitions, including Beyond the Obvious (Spain, 2022), Afro-Futurist (Zambia, 2022), and Nutopia (India, 2024). He has also participated in numerous group exhibitions worldwide, contributing to critical conversations on art, history, and the future of African identity. In 2016, he founded Elbowroom, an art movement dedicated to fostering creative expression among young realistic artists. Kolapo’s work has been recognized through several awards and international residencies. His art serves as a bridge between the past and the future, encouraging his audience to reflect on the evolving nature of identity Olorunyemi Kolapo is a Nigerian artist whose work explores the intersections of identity, human connection, and futurism. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Kolapo has exhibited extensively across Africa, Europe, the UK, Asia, and America, presenting artworks that engage with cultural narratives and societal transformation. Born in Ilorin, Nigeria, Kolapo’s artistic journey began in his teenage years, driven by a natural inclination for creativity and an early fascination with charcoal. Despite obtaining a degree in Applied Physics, his passion for art ultimately guided his career, merging scientific inquiry with visual storytelling.