Gbemileke Adekunle

“Good art remains relevant forever, that’s my goal”

20districts: Can you tell us a little about yourself, where you come from, and what led you to painting?

Gbemileke Adekunle : I’m a visual artist from southwestern Nigeria. I grew up in a rural community where there was no formal art training. I began making art when I was about seven years old, using locally sourced materials to create drawings and paintings.

I vividly remember making some of my earliest drawings on the large sheets of brown paper from old cement bags. I would use burnt wood as charcoal for my sketches. At the time, local artists would also create large drawings directly on walls, improvising with whatever materials were available. Some of those drawings seemed to stay on the walls forever.

I later went on to study painting at university. After several years of teaching art while continuing to paint, I decided to pursue art full-time.

My early work revolved around everyday life and socio-cultural themes. It was a period of freedom and exploration. I was wild and free in my choice of subjects, forms, compositions, colours and styles.

Things changed profoundly after the tragic death of my father, who was also my mentor. His loss took a toll on my mental health and I went through a period of depression.

I became more withdrawn, and my art narrowed in form, colour and composition. I felt the need to isolate myself and heal.

During this period, female figures became increasingly present in my work and gradually became central to my visual language.

This marked the beginning of a darker chapter in my work, with a growing inclination towards melancholy and a visual language that moved between expressive figuration and semi-abstraction.

Adversity led me towards self-discovery. Eventually, I found my own voice and a path towards devotion, meditation and healing.

In Stay With Me, presented by 20districts, there is a strong sense of duality, between fragility and independence, connection and self-reliance. What does this duality mean to you?

For me, duality is about building resilience and finding balance amid the complexities of life. It is about connection, devotion and emancipation, a process that ultimately leads to healing and self-discovery.

How would you describe the art scene and art market in Nigeria today ? What opportunities and challenges do emerging artists face ?

The Nigerian art market is thriving and has experienced tremendous growth over the years. There are many talented artists: some follow current trends, while others have found their calling and remained committed to their practice despite constant shifts in the art world.
It takes courage for an artist to stay focused on their own practice, particularly when there is pressure to gain visibility as soon as their work begins to attract attention.

There are many opportunities, particularly through art dealers and galleries. But for an emerging artist, I believe it is important to take the time to fully discover and nurture your talent. Early exposure can be rewarding, but it can also have consequences. Ultimately, what works for one artist may not work for another.

How do you see your artistic journey evolving from here, and where would you like your work to take you?

I still have a long way to go, and I don’t want to dictate how my work should evolve. Good art remains relevant forever, that is my goal. I want to see my work find its way to wherever it is meant to be.