Atanda Adebayo
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.
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Lady in Blue Fur, 2023
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Dija, 2023
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Community Gathering, 2023
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Are We Still The Leaders Of Tomorrow?, 2023
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Aina (Irin Ajo Aina), 2021-2022
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Ali, 2021-2022
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Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows I, 2022
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Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows II, 2022
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Even when we cry, we still watch our shadows III, 2022
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Imade, 2021-2022
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Imade II, 2021-2022
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Micheal, 2021-2022
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Orisha, 2021-2022
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Orisha Ibeji, 2021-2022
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Portrait of Jeremiah Godday, 2022
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Portrait of Rudebwoyy, 2022
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Portrait of Tobi, 2022
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Stand by me, 2021
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Yemisi II (Irin Ajo Yemisi), 2021-2022
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Atanda Adebayo
This Water Knows our Story Part II 22 Feb - 20 May 2023This is a project by the artist Atanda Quadri Adebayo, curated by Fer Francés and commisioned by VETA. The first part of this show took place in Makoko, a district...Read more -
Atanda Adebayo
This water knows our story 26 - 27 Nov 2022We are pleased to announce the opening of 'This water knows our story' in Makoko, an informal settlement of Lagos (Nigeria). This is a VETA project by Nigerian artist Atanda...Read more -
Atanda Quadri Adebayo
Ori 23 Feb - 25 May 2022'Ori' is the first show by Atanda Quadri Adebayo at VETA by Fer Francés. In his own words 'everyone has a path in the journey of life. We were born...Read more
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EXPO CHICAGO 2024
Chicago 11 - 14 Apr 2024 -
UVNT Art Fair 2024
Madrid 7 - 10 Mar 2024 -
Estampa 2023
Madrid 19 - 22 Oct 2023 -
Art Central HK 2023
Hong Kong 21 - 25 Mar 2023Art Central HK 2023 In exhibition we have some very special works by; Atanda Quadri Adebayo Julio Galindo Abraham Lacalle Cristina Lama Juan de Morenilla...Read more -
ZONAMACO 2023
Mexico City 8 - 12 Feb 2023We are pleased to announce our participation at ZONAMACO 2023 with a very special selection of works by Atanda Quadri Adebayo, Theresa Chromati, Julio Galindo,...Read more