Olalekan Kushimo

My name is Olalekan Kushimo and I am a self-taught artist from Lagos, Nigeria. I have been doing art for more than three decades and I’ve engaged in several exhibitions both in Nigeria, Europe and America. My style of art known as Ila, that means lines or patterns, and it can be traced to ancient language in the Eastern part of Nigeria and tribal marks from the West, combined with other historical symbols from different tribes of Africa. These patterns are uniquely identified in most of my art pieces and are strategically designed to tell the stories behind my paintings. 
 
I have been able to recreate the English alphabet representation, in my own way with the use of these African languages and patterns. This helps me engage collectors, clients and art lovers who have found my work intriguing; making my style of art uniquely different.

My form of art is strongly motivated and inspired by my favourite quote by Christopher Alexander, describing 'patterns as a problem that occurs in a given environment, and in it is a solution that can be used multiple times, without using it the same way to form an impression’. 

My current solo art exhibition titled “My City My View” is cantered around empowering women, highlighting both the struggles and pain they encounter in relationships, friendships, partnerships or marriages. It is a recognition of their courage and influence on our society.
 
My patterns tell most of these stories in all mediums, from acrylic to oil on canvas, abstracts and digital art. These paintings can now be found in our online collection of designs of shoes, hoodies, t-shirts and phone accessories as we are currently launching an online store, that can be visited through the link: http://www.kush-ila.info/



Kush