Olukayode Gabriel Babalola

Biography

Okaybabs is a world-renowned artist whose versatility is his trademark. He has been an artist for as long as he can remember. He was a born artist, and his talent was quickly recognized from his elementary or primary or grade school days. When in grade 3 he was selected by his school to represent it in a National Art Competition where he drew a large tree filled with branches, leaves and birds with lead pencil and color pencils on paper. And from high school through university, he was privileged to develop and perfected his potential skills into an amazing capacity.

He was overall best student when he graduated from Eruwa campus of The Polytechnic of Ibadan, Nigeria, with a National Diploma in Fine Art in 1986. He then went on to receive a BA in Fine Art in 1992 from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) (formerly the University of Ife) in Nigeria where he specialized in painting. While at Obafemi Awolowo University he was recognized for his exceptional creative skills. It was in Obafemi Awolowo University that he further researched and developed his use of actual natural Soil and Raffia on Jute Burlap, which he also perfected as he ascertained that they are durable, reliable, resilient and are of lightfast and colorfast qualities.

Okaybabs was trained at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) (formerly the University of Ife) in Nigeria, which houses the renowned Ife Art School and its influential Department of Fine and Applied Arts which is renowned for developing conceptual frameworks rooted in Yoruba history and aesthetics like Onaism that is based on the fusion of the designs, ornamentation and motifs found in traditional Yoruba carvings and textiles with modern art pieces such as drawings and paintings. Okaybabs belongs to Onaism Art Movement and was trained by Distinguished Alumni and Founders of Onaism which include Prof. Moyo Okediji: Painter, art historian, and co-founder of the Ona Group, Prof. Bolaji Campbell: Contemporary painter and scholar of Nigerian art, and Dr. Kunle Filani: Painter, printmaker, and prominent art educator. The word "Onà" in Yoruba language means design, aesthetic, ornamental richness, intricate patterns, and a high degree of formal complexity which exudes beauty.

Moyo Okediji (born Moyosore Okediji in 1956 in Lagos, Nigeria) is currently a professor of art history at The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Art and Art History, College of Fine Arts, specializing in African art, and he is a recognized artist, curator, and writer. Bolaji Campbell is Professor of African and African Diaspora Art in the Department of Theory and History of Art and Design at Rhode Island School of Design. He also serves as Department Head in History of Art and Visual Culture at the same Rhode Island School of Design. And Dr. Kunle Filani (born Emmanuel Olakunle Filani on September 8, 1957 in Nigeria) is a Nigerian educator and artist. Filani is also a lecturer and an administrator – he was a provost of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

A visual encounter with Okaybabs’ paintings, which exudes originality and creativity, leads a person on an aesthetic adventure of dynamic flow of lines, vibrant colors and agile forms. It is a stimulating experience that is both soothing and relaxing. Although the viewers of his paintings are left with a pleasant feeling of satisfaction, the whole encounter arouses within the viewers a craving for continuous interaction with the artworks.

The more you view his art work the more you discover new aspects to it which lends itself to the phrase "The more you look the more you see". It is impossible to get enough of his work because they emit fresh appeal each time viewed. No doubt, this is because a lot went into the creation of the art piece even though they may appear simple on first looks.

Television, press & collections

He appeared on the TV program "Lisa's Mobile Art Show" which aired in Los Angeles and Inglewood, California, USA where he talked about his art works. In 2001, three of his paintings - 'Sax', 'Together Forever' and 'Market Place Buffet' were featured in Chrysler's Dodge Minivan TV commercial. In October 2003, ABC 7's "The Practice" also featured one of his Copper Relief Series - 'Sax'. His painting titled 'United Family' has been featured on the hit TV series "The Parkers" - UPN channel 13 - since 2001. The Union Bank of California for its CD album and promotional poster also used this same painting during the Black History Month celebration of February 2005. In addition, three of his musical series were shown when the home of Rickey Smiley of Alabama was featured in the Black Entertainment Television BET program "How you living".

A widely sought after artist, he has been featured by many national and international Newspaper and magazines. These include "The Press Enterprise" of Riverside, California, which featured him in its March 1997 edition, the "Art Business News" - international art magazine based in New York. "The San Bernardino Sun" along with "Art Trend" devoted more than a whole page to his artwork in the 'Living Section' of their March 13, 1997 edition. The following Newspaper / Magazines have featured Okaybabs and his art work: "Art World News" published monthly in Rowayton, Connecticut (distributed worldwide), "Precinct Reporter" of San Bernardino, "Redlands Daily Facts", "Fontana Daily Bulletin", "Black Voice" and last but not least "Empire Saver Guide". In Nigeria, he was featured in the "Daily Times", "Sunday Concord" and "Cradle News".

Okaybabs holds membership affiliates with the Riverside Art Museum, Art Council of San Bernardino and Redlands Art Association where he teaches art to student of all ages. He operates his Art Studio and Gallery in the city of San Bernardino, California. His unique style of using natural materials, such as soil and raffia for his mixed media, series, has brought him much attention by art collectors and admirers across the globe. These art mediums of actual natural Soil and Raffia on Jute Burlap are durable, reliable, resilient and are of colorfast and lightfast qualities.

Among such dignitaries are Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Senate President of Nigeria and General Collin Powell, which he collected as an accessory to another creative work of art by Karen Collins of Compton California.