Tayo Olayode

Tayo Olayode (b. 1970) is a self-taught experimental artist from Lagos, Nigeria. His experimentation occurs through vigorous research and consistent use of a variety of materials resulting in abstract, realist and surrealist works.

A Fine Art graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Tayo’s approach is influenced by masters from different school of thoughts, including the Late Fred Achibong, Abayomi Barber and Abidodun Olaku. In his twenty years practicing as a full time studio artist, Tayo’s paintings are most identified by his subtle yet vibrant use of lines in representing his figures. His technique defies the traditional compositional elements using transparency of overlapping lines and colour to create an illusion of depth. Multiple bodies in elongated and sometimes stylized forms are used to convey motion and emotions on the surface. Selected works are a mid-point between his mastery of of water colour and acrylic medium.

Olayode’s practice has won him multiple awards including the Terra Kulture / Ford Foundation Best Young Artist Nigeria in 2007 and in 2014, a residency at Vermont Studio, U.S courtesy Arthouse Foundation.

Group exhibitions include Lost in Lagos at A Whitespace Creative Agency (2012), Today In History at Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Abuja (2015), Watercolor Biennale at Cityscape Community Art Space, Vancouver Canada (2016). In 2017, SMO Contemporary presented Olayode’s solo show Permutation in Lagos, Nigeria.

Tayo plans to continue mastering his different styles and finding innovative ways to experiment as he seeks to introduce alternative ways to represent his unique creative voice.