I came across Suraj’s art while browsing through Instagram. I was blown away by his painting of Abeokuta, which also happens to be my mother’s hometown in Nigeria. In his paintings, he captures the vibrant and colourful Nigerian lifestyle. Read on to find out more about his journey to becoming an artist.
Tell me about yourself
My name is Suraj Adekola; I’m a contemporary artist. In 2017, I was listed among the ‘TOP FIFTY Nigerian artists by turnover at African Art Auction’.
I will always remember the day my dad asked me what I would like to become in life, the response that I gave him without much thinking is that I wanted to become an artist, and here I am, fulfilling my dream.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Every child has an in-born talent, usually in different ways, however, certainly for me, it is art. I started drawing at the tender age of 7, then I never had an idea that I would become a professional artist. Here’s the interesting part, during my college days, I used to draw diagrams for my peers in exchange for drinks and snacks.
When did you start to persue a career in art?
My interest in pursuing art as a career started in 2001 when I painted my first watercolor painting which I sold to Signature gallery that same year.
Shortly after this, in 2002, I proceeded to the school of art and design, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State where I acquired formal-art training and I graduated in 2007 with Higher National Diploma in painting.
Since then, I’ve been practicing as a full-time studio artist.
Did your parents encourage you in your persuit to become an artist?
Yes, I am lucky to have parents who supported and encouraged me morally and financially to become an artist.
I will always remember the day my dad asked me what I would like to become in life, the response that I gave him without much thinking is that I wanted to become an artist, and here I am fulfilling my dream.
My father, Alhaji Yushau Idowu Adekola ( who is now late), encouraged me to be an artist; I remembered in 1997 when I told him that I wanted to become an artist, he took me to one of his friends who was an architect, that was because he didn’t have a clear picture of what I was telling him. On getting there, I told him that I wasn’t interested in becoming an architect but an artist. Fortunately for me, he gave me all his support.
He also gave me money in the form of a ‘loan’ to buy my art materials to keep producing my artwork. After I had completed the work, instead of asking for the loan, he would say to me – ‘Suraj, the money I gave you wasn’t a loan, but it was my part of support to foster your artistic career.’
And for my mum, she helped me by keeping some of my artwork.
He would say to me – ‘Suraj, the money I gave you wasn’t a loan, but it was my part of support to foster your artistic career.’
I recently commented on your beautiful painting of Abeokuta. What other places in Nigeria are featured in your paintings?
Apart from the Abeokuta landscape, I have also painted the Ilaje community which I will be showcasing in my upcoming solo exhibition. Other themes that I have painted include market scenes, abstract portraits and pure abstracts such as the images below. Nonetheless, I do not restrict myself to a particular theme, rather I try to emphasise the importance of spontaneity within my artistic method.
On your website, you mention that hope inspires your paintings. Is there a story behind this inspiration?
Because of my positive outlook on life; unity and hope have been the basis of my art practice for thirteen years since I graduated from the school of art and design, Auchi polytechnic. The painting titled ‘Shower of blessings’ is a good example of this.
What is a typical workday like for you?
I prefer to start painting early in the morning because I am at my best in the morning.
I usually start between 7 am and 9 am, after that, I take some rest and have my breakfast. Then I go back to painting at about 11 am and paint until 6 pm, in between this time, I usually have some rest. From 7 pm downward, I prefer to spend it with my family.
Some days, I don’t paint at all, I read books instead.
I prefer to start painting early in the morning because I am at my best in the morning.
What advice will you give to an aspiring artist?
My advice to every aspiring artist is consistency; they should be consistently creating despite any obstacles or challenges they may face, such as rejection from art collectors.
Lastly, they should always be improving themselves. One of the best ways to do this is to create something out of uncertainty.
You can find Suraj’s artwork on his website at – surajadekolaart.com and on Instagram at surajadekola_art.