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Razaq Bamidele If the question, ‘What is in a name’ is asked, a Shagamu, Ogun State-based talented artist would readily answer that there is a lot to a name! Reason? It is because experience, which is said to be the best teacher, has taught him what name is capable of doing in people’s life! In a brief online interview, the fair-complexioned artist told his story to The Nigerian Xpress. He was axed from Ibrahim Babangida’ s award list he had topped because of his name Buari, which sounded like Buhari whom the former military president toppled from power.
What motivated you to pick Fine art as a course of study?
My name is Buari, Adeyinka Adesina. I was born in the early sixties (60s). I am married and blessed with children. I hail from Ijebu Isiwo in Ijebu Ode Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. I have been a talented artist from my mother’s womb. God made me a natural artist from birth and I had been making drawings before writing alphabets at elementary School though my parents didn’t encourage me.
I attended St. Barnabas Primary School, Okun Owa in Ogun State and Ansar Ud Deen High School lsiwo, also in Ogun State. But lamentably, there was no Fine Art teacher in that School. But because of the artistic talent in me, I decided to sit for Fine Art at the General Certificate of Education (GCE) and came out with Distinction (A1) in the subject. I passed other subjects with A3 and credits.
That gave me the opportunity to gain admission into the Ogun State College of Education, Ijebu Ode, where I had my National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Fine Art. Thereafter, I proceeded to the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State in 1987 and finished in 1992.
What aspect of Fine Art is your specialisation?
I specialised in painting initially. I later proceeded to Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye (Ogun State), where I bagged my Masters (M Ed) in Educational Management in 2005.
Additionally, my love for Art took me to the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, to study for my Masters (M.A) in Visual Art between 2007 and 2008. I majored in sculpture. So, I specialised in painting and sculpture
How lucrative is the profession?
An artist does not look for immediate gain in his job. However, it is lucrative when the economy is good. Art has an advantage; self-fulfilment. With great sense of creativity, you would manage your family averagely. So,I thank God I am fulfilled.
How often do you partake in exhibitions?
It has been a long I took part in an exhibition because I have been a school administrator since 2008. I have not been having time to go to exhibitions. But I won November 22 Club Best Artist in Graphics in 1985. I represented Bendel State during the NYSC recipients’ exhibition at National Theatre, Lagos. General Babangida newly took over power from General Muhammadu Buhari then. We were to paint Babangida, which I did perfectly. But sadly and regrettably, the assessors of our paintings congratulated me, as the producer of the best portraiture of Babangida; then the bombshell, they said I signed my name as Yinka Buari. They could not bring themselves into presenting a BUHARI to BABANGIDA that has just ousted a BUHARI from power in a palace coup, as the best painter of Babangida’s portrait! So, sadly, that was how I was dropped on account of my name being Buari from the award list. Can we have an insight into some challenges of this vocation? I faced several challenges in terms of materials for our works. The available ones are not good again apart from being too expensive in the shops! The economy has been affecting the creative industries adversely. Are your children also into Fine Art? Yes. My son is also into Art but Applied Art. He studied Architecture, which is grouped under Applied Art. Who are your major patrons? Dr. Reuben Abati used to buy my paintings; Oba Engr.) M. A Kasali, Moyegeso of ltele still patronises me. Mr. Tairu Sunday, the CEO of Sagamu Palace Hotel, has been my good client. I used to design a concert stage for Chief Fabiyi Obey in the early 80s. I also beautify the Palace of Oba of Odi Olowo, Mushin, Lagos, with sculptures. I thank God l am fulfilled |
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