Ibiyinka Alao
Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao (born 17 October 1975) is a Nigerian American artist. Alao attended the
Nigerian Navy Secondary School (NNSS) in Navy Town, Lagos from 1988 to 1993. He also received education as an architect at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. from 1994 to 2000. In 2001 he was named as Nigeria's "Ambassador of Art." Alao won a United Nations art contest involving participants from 61 countries.
On May 18, 2016 "Ibi's Fireflies," a story book based on one of his
paintings "Eternity in our Hearts" won the Grand Prize of the 2016/2017 Scholastic "Kids are Authors" contest. "Ibi's Fireflies" was presented by students of Willow Lane Elementary School in Macungie Pennsylvania and also Al Khair school in London. It won the 1st place out of over 900 entries from schools in the United States.
Recent quote by Ibiyinka about his Painting: "I Draw, Paint and Write
about whatever I'm able to find, feel and sometimes understand. I feel
that it is healthier to look out at the world through a window than
through a mirror. Otherwise, all you see is yourself and whatever is
behind you" He's from Ponyan in Iyagba East Local Government area of Kogi State.
Father is Ezekiel Bamisaiye Alao and mother is Grace Bosede Alao. Two
brothers and two sisters. Ibiyinka's artworks are characterized by
bright colors and they express many themes including hope, joy, peace
and love - a reflection of his West African roots and deep faith in Jesus Christ as Lover and Redeemer of our Souls.
Ibiyinka's artworks have been featured by the National Museum of Nigeria, the British Council, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC, The World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, The United Nations Headquarters in New York City, the Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
the Empire State Building in New York City and the Martin Luther King
center to name a few. In 2001, Ibiyinka was invited by the Director
General to attend and give a lecture at the National Institute for
Policy and Strategic Studies,(NIPSS) http://nipsskuru.gov.ng/
where for the first time, he demonstrated to the participants how art
can be used to make policies towards peace. He is an honorary member of
the National Institute.
James D. Wolfensohn, The Chairman Emeritus of the Carnegie Hall in New York City and Former President of the World Bank Group
hosted Ibiyinka's artworks during the exhibit "Visions and Vignettes" -
a collection of 18 colorful Tempera pieces. It was the first time that
the World Bank Art Program will collaborate with the Smithsonian Museum to host a solo art show by a Contemporary African Artist.
"Mortal Feelings
Ca. 1998
24" x 26"
Tempera
Can You See It?
Ca. 1997
32.5" x 27.5"
Tempera
The Beauty Of Ngaski
Ca. 1999
18" x 24"
Tempera
Young woman on a beach paint by the Nigerian artist Ibiyinka Alao (1975-)
True Miracles
Ca. 2005
47.25" x 35.5"
Acrylic and Tempera
Adura prayer paint by the Nigerian artist Ibiyinka Alao 1991
The Horse's Grace
Ca. 1995
24" x 18"
Tempera
All The Stars And All The Planets
Ca. 1996
18" x 24"
Tempera
"Self Portrait" by Nigerian artist Ibiyinka Alao,(Courtesy Eastern Shore Art Center)
1996
A Day Under The Sun
Ca. 1996
18" x 24"
Tempra
Ibiyinka Alao - A walk through life 1997
The Twin Stars of Life
Ca. 1997
36" x 24"
Tempera
The Creation of Woman
Ca. 1997
16" x 12"
Tempera
I Wish it Will Rain on Me
Ca. 1997
36" x 24"
Tempera
Ajaga
Ca. 1997
40" x 118"
Acrylic
Cry Africa
Ca. 1998
10" x 18"
Pastel
A Day Under The Sun
Ca. 1996
18" x 24"
Tempra
Visions Of Ezekiel
Ca. 2000
27.5" x 32.5"
Tempra
Fire in Africa
Ca. 1999
24" x 18"
Tempera
Koroso Dancer
Ca. 1999
18" x 10"
Tempera
Someday
Ca. 2000
36" x 24"
Tempera
The Music Party
Ca. 2001
32.5" x 27.5"
Tempera
The Perversity Of Life (Girls And Greener Environment)
Ca. 2001
18" x 24"
Tempera
Grace: That Even The World Can Pass Through It
Ca. 2005
35.5" x 47.5"
Tempra
Painting: "Public Boy"
Tempera and Oil 40" X 48"
© 2015 by Ibiyinka Alao
"Empire of the Fireflies"
- Movie still 2017
Ibiyinka Alao - Negerian artist 2003
Ibiyinka Alao in front of a large Painting of his called "EAGLE"
Kayode2003 - Own work
...a suivre...