Biography

1999, Lagos, Nigeria

 

For Atanda Quadri Adebayo painting is a journey of self-discovery and realization that allows him to acknowledge the past and project himself towards the future. The artist was born in Badagry, on the outskirts of Lagos (Nigeria), once an important geographical crossroads in the Trans- Atlantic slave trade. The brutal colonial past is a part of his story, which is transmitted through his paintings. The figures that populate his work represent unbroken men and women who burst with colour and hope, despite the adversity embedded in their life. Portrayed in elegant poses, the facial expressions embody empowered vulnerability, as well as bliss amidst struggles.

Adebayo’s first approach to painting took place at an early age, when his mother used to bring home chunks of charcoal that she would sell in Lagos, Nigeria to sustain the family. He gradually took an interest in them and started using them to draw. To this day, Adebayo still uses charcoal to render the skin of his figures and to elevate both his artwork, and his personal story with something as common, but as personally important, as a stick of charcoal.

Adebayo’s “artist soul” motif is a symbol of resilience as he uses the repetition of an abstract pattern created by blowing watercolour on canvas using a straw. The simple act of painting using his breath becomes a metaphor of life that allows him to infuse his art with parts of himself, combining both life and art.

Atanda Quadri Adebayo has obtained his diploma and higher diploma in painting at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria.

Works
  • Atanda Adebayo, Lady in Blue Fur, 2023
    Lady in Blue Fur, 2023
  • Atanda Adebayo, Dija, 2023
    Dija, 2023
  • Atanda Adebayo, Community Gathering, 2023
    Community Gathering, 2023
  • Atanda Adebayo, Are We Still The Leaders Of Tomorrow?, 2023
    Are We Still The Leaders Of Tomorrow?, 2023
  • Atanda Adebayo, Aina (Irin Ajo Aina), 2021-2022
    Aina (Irin Ajo Aina), 2021-2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Ali, 2021-2022
    Ali, 2021-2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows I, 2022
    Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows I, 2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows II, 2022
    Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows II, 2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows III, 2022
    Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows III, 2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Imade, 2021-2022
    Imade, 2021-2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Imade II, 2021-2022
    Imade II, 2021-2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Micheal, 2021-2022
    Micheal, 2021-2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Orisha, 2021-2022
    Orisha, 2021-2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Orisha Ibeji, 2021-2022
    Orisha Ibeji, 2021-2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Portrait of Jeremiah Godday, 2022
    Portrait of Jeremiah Godday, 2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Portrait of Rudebwoyy, 2022
    Portrait of Rudebwoyy, 2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Portrait of Tobi, 2022
    Portrait of Tobi, 2022
  • Atanda Adebayo, Stand by me, 2021
    Stand by me, 2021
  • Atanda Adebayo, Yemisi II (Irin Ajo Yemisi), 2021-2022
    Yemisi II (Irin Ajo Yemisi), 2021-2022
Exhibitions
Art Fairs