Nigerian-born artist, Tosin Iwayemi, chose the path of telling stories of the beautiful thread in the golden fabric of African traditions. With his vibrant artworks that cut deep into the rich tapestry of Nigerian roots, Iwayemi takes pride in exploring the multiculturalism of the black continent. In his latest masterworks, “Oshodi” and “Danfo”, this artist offers insight into human existence and daily struggles, interaction with nature, and the hustling and bustling of Lagos’ popular locale and symbolic transport mode.
The artwork creates an imaginary sensation of people finding themselves immersed in the rhythmic dance of a rainy day in the bustling heart of Oshodi. The scene unfolds with a myriad of people covering their heads with umbrellas, navigating the rain-soaked streets with a spirited determination. A striking way to illustrate how minding one’s business could be a debt survival owns Lagos.
The sight of Molue bus, an iconic mode of transport packed with memories for the oldies and symbol of the bustling energy that defines this dynamic neighborhood, gave strong rhythms to the daily cacophonic song of a busy Oshodi. Through meticulous detailing, the artist captures the ebb and flow of daily life, where the pulse of Oshodi beats with the convergence of people, goods, and transport.
According to Iwayemi, “Oshodi” as a digital artwork is a visual love letter to the heart of Lagos, showcasing the spirit, diversity, and richness that defines Oshodi. The rain-soaked streets reflect not just the weather but the indomitable character of a place where life unfolds amidst the hustle and bustle—a true celebration of the unique energy that is distinctly Oshodi.
The beautiful piece portrays not just a hub of commerce and connectivity, but a place where the vivacity of a marketplace blends seamlessly with the hum of transportation. As people navigate through the rain, the portrayal didn’t just tellingly paint a shared experience but a story of resilience to achieve a common end goal — a restful home away from the enduring energies and echoes of beats that characterise every dawn in Oshodi.
Of course, the picturesque of “Oshodi” was a bit metaphorical. Yes, it gives a sense of typical Lagos life. However, the sight of “Danfo” dives deeper. It cut deep into the flesh by capturing the essence of Lagosian street life — the boiling parts of the Lagos serenity.
‘Danfo Journey’ as a striking digital artwork centres around the iconic yellow minibus against the backdrop of lush greenery. This visual narrative unfolds as the Danfo confidently navigates the chaotic urban landscape, flanked by vibrant bushes and towering palm trees, creating a vivid tapestry of Lagos’ unique charm. That was a stark contrast to the dangerous assumptions of Lagos from afar.
Though the artist is now based in the United Kingdom, his portrayal of Danfo journey shows a lifelong bond with his roots. Iwayemi said his art is a visual symphony, harmonizing the echoes of his Nigerian heritage with the vibrant, cosmopolitan pulse of London. But “Danfo” shows a mind extricated from borrowed cultural influence. The masterpiece explores Danfo Journey in its rawness by capturing a moment in time, frozen in digital brilliance. The combination of the urban icon and the natural landscape becomes a symbolic representation of the multifaceted identity of Lagos – a city where tradition and progress, urbanity and nature, coalesce in a dynamic and harmonious dance.
Just like Iwayemi said that his artistic expression, rooted in the ‘tradigital’ ethos, seeks to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, echoing the evolving narratives of a continent rich in history and innovation, this artwork’s fusion of urban transportation and tropical foliage by lining lush bushes and palm trees by the roadside, their fronds swaying gently in the warm breeze, invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of tradition and modernity in Lagos.
‘Danfo Journey’ not only pays homage to the quintessential vehicle of Lagos but also invites viewers to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between urban life and the lush, green landscapes that punctuate the city. Through this digital masterpiece, the artist invites audiences to embark on a visual exploration of Lagos, where the Danfo becomes a symbolic thread weaving through the diverse and vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s largest metropolis.
With both “Oshodi” and “Danfo”, Iwayemi takes the viewers on an exploit of his dexterous ability to mix digital paints of complex themes that celebrate human struggles, existence, interactions and an overly shift from nature and tradition to modernity. In both artworks, he masterfully uses colours, metaphors, and a bit of metonymy in how Oshodi could answer for the highs and lows of every bustling locale in Lagos. Iwayemi has many of his artworks also available with augmented reality view with the Artivive App.
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