Lagos, Nigeria born Damola Disu Àlàkijà is an emerging Toronto artist. Using oil paints and Pan-African colors, Disu combines an eclectic mix of traditional Afrocentric art and modernism to inspire his emotive work. Through his passion for contemporary architecture and vintage, West-African traditional concepts, Disu has created a style which has captivated the senses – a mélange of visionary conceptualism and mythology with just a touch of mystery.Disu has immersed himself in the arts since childhood, finding passion in the smallest and largest of projects. Since then, he has continued to dabble in various art mediums, stimulating his incessant need to create. An earth mosaic by Gbadebo Disu-Àlàkijà which highlighted Northern Nigerian architecture and pre-colonial settlement was an early inspiration to create, in the hopes of invoking a sense of community among members of the African diaspora.
Disu studied under Adeolu Lasisi in southwestern Nigeria and Contemporary Realist Painter Roberto Rosenman. Later in his life and through the teachings of his mentors, Disu’s art matured as he continued to experiment with various oil painting techniques. As he continues to evolve, his paintings have transformed from vibrant tonal contrasts to emotive, muted forms of expression – a mix of soft, shadowy colors and the exquisite beauty in dark emotions.
——— Artist Statement
“I use oil paint and Pan-African colors to combine an eclectic mix of traditional Afrocentric art and modernism. I’m inspired to continually create, in the hopes of invoking a sense of community among members of the African diaspora.”
M9N1K8
Toronto, ON
disu@live.co.uk