Art: Nigerian Artist Toni Okujeni
En route to Dakar’s airport is Village des Artes; a thriving community of artists, painters, sculptors based in former worker cottages that have been turned into art studio/workshops, with a central gallery holding exhibitions. The set up and atmosphere of the place took me back to my days at the art department at Harare Polytechnic; fresh out of high school and preparing to embark on a creative career but uncertain of what I wanted to be, and seizing the opportunities to dabble in printmaking, life drawing, painting, ceramics and more whilst surrounded by fellow creatives in the same boat. It was a place where the outside world was shut out and creativity, experimentation and expression took over.
On my visit to Village des Artes I wandered about stopping to chat to artists doing their work outside in the sunshine and inviting me into their studios to see completed pieces and collections in spaces that often hummed with the sounds of Brenda Fassie! Outside one studio, propped up on easels were two square paintings one bursting with the colourful scenes of boats by the beach, that captured my attention causing me to linger for a long while; I really liked it but couldn’t find out who the artist was as there was no name on the door or any cards about, I left Village des Artes with the painting in my mind. Turns out the artist has a following amongst local art lovers in Dakar, and to my delight I soon found out that it was a ‘Toni Okujeni‘, and on more than one occasion I came across one of his instantly recognisable pieces showcased on the walls of some beautifully decorated homes.
[Image credits: top, Rooftop Market via Mutual Art;
centre, Water Front Senegalese Series via Galleries Online;
bottom, Rooftop Market via Art Postcards – Toni Okujeni]
I think what I like about Toni’s work is the style; fluid, colourful, energetic, full of pattern and possibilities, I can picture his work forming patterns for fabric. The Nigerian artist started his career in 1973 working as an illustrator before turning to full time studio practice. Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, Toni’s adds his paint to the canvas in quick movements using a palette knife; in a style that conveys a sense of movement which brings life to the subjects depicted; which include his signature panoramic rooftop views where the viewer is looking down on the scenes like busy market bursting with life and colour. Toni lives and works in Nigeria, but travels to Senegal quite a bit where he has a temporary studio in the Village des Artes, sells his work and paints.
Additional information:
For further information about Toni Okujeni and purchase enquiries visit: www.galleries-online.co.uk
www.foundmyself.com/toni+okujeni
www.mutualart.com
For further information about Village des Artes visit: www.devrient.net
