The Artist

Bukola Samuel Biography

Orioye Bukola (b. 1993, Osogbo, Nigeria) is a self-taught multidisciplinary visual artist whose practice moves fluidly between figurative, symbolic, and conceptual expressions. Guided by the ethos “questioning the present through the past for a better future,” his work reimagines ancestral memory, spirituality, and lived experience through layered visual languages that reflect identity, resilience, and transformation. Born in Osogbo (Osun state) a city renowned for its spiritual and artistic legacy, Orioye channels this environment into a visual practice that is both intuitive and intellectually driven.

After completing a degree in Chemistry at the University of Ilorin in 2015, he redirected his path toward the visual arts, refining his skills through mentorship under Tope Fatumbi at Topfat Art Gallery in Ibadan (2019). Despite his non-traditional academic background, Orioye has developed a distinctive painterly language that draws from personal experience, Yoruba symbolism, and ancestral echoes.

His expressive canvases are driven by curiosity and guided by the belief that painting can unearth invisible links between self and society. With a style that shifts between abstraction and figuration, Orioye’s work resonates as a form of visual archaeology — uncovering layered histories and reframing collective memory through colour, texture, and form.

Orioye’s work has been exhibited widely in Nigeria, Europe, and North America, with notable group shows including:

  • Art Shopping Expo, Carrousel du Louvre, Paris
  • L.A. Art Show, Los Angeles
  • From Africa to Detroit, Norwest Gallery, USA
  • Black History Month, Gato Gordo Gallery, Miami
  • The Reveal, Akwaaba Gallery, New Jersey
  • Fluorescence, Mitochondria Gallery, Houston

His paintings have also featured in charity auctions on Artsy, supporting global social causes through contemporary African art.

In 2024, Orioye was awarded the Voice of Regeneration Prize by Unearthodox, affirming his status as a powerful emerging voice in global contemporary art.

Artist Statement

As an artist, my practice is rooted in a deep-seated belief that art should be an active participant in the ongoing dialogue of life, a catalyst for reflection, a force for change and renewal. My work is driven by a compelling mantra: questioning the present through the past for a better future.

In a world where the present often feels overwhelming, I believe there is immense power and potential in revisiting the past. By delving into history, we can unearth perspectives, narratives, and truths that have been obscured or forgotten. The past holds a mirror to the present, revealing the patterns, pitfalls, and potential paths that lie before us. In my art, I strive to create an immersive dialogue between the past and the present, stirring the viewer to question the status quo and ponder what could be.

My art situates itself at the crossroads of time, a space where the past and the future intersect. It seeks to evoke a sense of temporal dislocation, provoking the viewer to challenge their perceptions and assumptions about the world around them. Often, my works are filled with historical references and anachronisms, contrasting and combining elements from different eras. This temporal layering serves as a metaphor for a world in flux and our collective journey through time.

The future, to me, is not a distant, abstract concept but a tangible reality that we shape with our actions in the present. I see my art as a tool for envisioning alternative futures, a catalyst for change. Each piece is a call to action, a plea for a better tomorrow. By questioning the present through the past, my art invites viewers to envision a future that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

Ultimately, my art is a form of inquiry and exploration, a visual conversation about the world and our place in it. It is a reflection of my belief in the transformative power of art and its potential to inspire change. By exploring the interplay of the past, present, and future in my work, I hope to stir a sense of curiosity, provoke thoughtful reflection, and inspire a commitment to creating a better future.