By Chukwuma Ajakah

Prolific artist and art educator, Dr. Aderinsoye Ademorin Aladegbongbe, is set to mark his 60th birthday with an art exhibition tagged, “In Time” at the Yusuf Grillo Art Gallery, Yabatech and the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.

In a Press Briefing held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Yusuf Grillo Art Gallery, Yaba College of Technology, Yabatech, the Curatorial Director, Moses Ohiomokhare revealed that the auspicious event which opens by 11; 00 AM at the Yusuf Grillo Art Gallery on Wednesday, March 5 will run through Saturday, March 15, 2025 while the second phase kicks off at the National Museum, Onikan from March 15 to March 29,, 2025. The exhibition opens to visitors by 8: 00 AM daily.

Unveiling what the exhibition holds for art lovers, the ace curator and art promoter remarked that Aderinsoye Aladegbongbe brings accumulated wisdom and experience to bear in telling stories through his art. “In Time is a journey of endless possibilities, growth, and self-discovery, showcasing works of immediacy and movements in the artist’s composition and capturing the subject matter,” he quipped. Noting that Aderinsoye’s last exhibition titled, ‘IKORE’ which held at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos last year had featured profound works that inspired the audience towards sowing seed of truth, hope, and love, the curator described the phenomenal artist as a great impressionist who works spontaneously with bright and varied light colours. “His work is therapeutic, offering stress relief and promoting relaxation as he reminds the audience that he is philosophical and spiritual,” he said, adding, “Turning 60 is not just a milestone, but a gateway to new beginnings, I see in him a man on a journey to joy and fulfillment.”

For almost three decades, Aladegbongbe, a consummate artist with expertise in painting, design, printmaking, and metal sculptor, has had a distinguished career in the School of Art, Design, and Printing, SADP, Yaba College of Technology. The celebrated art educator has held important positions, including serving as a Head of Department from 2013 to 2017. He has made enormous contributions to the arts world, especially through his explorations in printmaking. His discovery of Plastopaint, a unique approach in printmaking has significantly shaped his artistic identity as he pushes creativity beyond borders, exploring diverse traditional and modern techniques such as the metal foil production which has added depth and dynamism to his work.

Titles packaged for the upcoming show include, Forms in Similitude, The Peak of the Celebration, Expression in Colour, Okobaba (Ebute meta), in Retrospect, Colour Expression I, The Seer (Acrylic on canvas), Symphony from the Violin (Acrylic on canvas), and Colour Expression II. The first phase of the exhibition will feature 100 pieces of work while the second phase will showcase 60 recent works.

Reminiscing on his artistic journey, Aderinsoye said, “Art for me is a powerful language of expression, one that bridges emotions, culture, and the unseen depths of human experiences. Ironically, I saw nothing special about it in my childhood days. I grew up in the palace of my grandfather where I joined in the myriad of artistic activities. Gradually, my sketches began to attract attention. My teachers got so fascinated that they encouraged me to take up arts at school. Left to me, my passion was for sports, especially basket ball and football. I was so busy playing football one day that I forgot I had an important exam to write until the art teacher came to compel me to enter the exam hall.”      

The iconic artist assures visitors, including students, art collectors, art lovers, and other guests that IN TIME will avail them the opportunity to have a firsthand knowledge of the innovative trends, new approaches, and his unique techniques of art rendition. “My work is a fusion of the spiritual, culture, passion, technique, innovation, reflecting my journey as a painter, metal constructor, and printmaker. My paintings, largely in the realm of semi-expressionism, are characterized by vibrant colours that evoke energy, emotion, and rhythm. Each stroke, texture, and hue is an intentional dialogue between my soul and the canvas, conveying narratives that transcend words,” he said.

Aderinsoye, whose concept of art is semi-abstract expressions blended with objects, has participated in many group and solo exhibitions within and outside Nigeria. His works are treasured collections in many homes, galleries, educational institutions, and corporate spaces. The master artist expresses unalloyed commitment to art education, saying, “My role as an administrator has further enriched my experience, allowing me to contribute to the growth and structure of the art community. I have deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of artists, sharing knowledge, and fostering creativity.”

Speaking on how his role as a Senior Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has influenced his art, Aderinsoye said: “As a child of God, my artistic journey anchors on faith, artistry to me is a divine calling to celebrate creation, inspire hearts, and illuminate the beauty within and around us.”

Dignitaries expected at the event include the GMD, AMSL Group, Mr. Taiwo Bolodeoku, the Exhibition Chairman of the Yusuf Grillo Art Gallery exhibition, the Chairman of the occasion at the National Museum, Architect & Mrs. Luckie Osaide Ogbeifun, Special Guest of Honour, Chief Dolapo Balogun, the Rector and Chief Host, Dr. Engr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, and the Dean, SADP, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ndubuisi.