“Every individual that we see on the planet earth is not just a single entity, they are made up of different stories and things they have undergone,” Ifeoluwa Alade tells us. The young Nigerian artist paints figures and faces that feel almost woven, an allegory for the depth of experience that makes them who they are. Understanding that “all individuals have gone through a process before you meet them” gives us a “better sense of this person and how we treat them,” Alade explains.
Still I Rise, acrylic and glow in the dark medium on canvas, 50 x 36"
The Sprout of Hope, Alade’s third solo show at Abend Gallery in Denver, continues that spirit of empathy and optimism. Referencing a verse from the book of Job—“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease”—the show is packed with symbolism and bursting with life. Leaves, flowers, butterflies, birds and even a nest make themselves at home atop his playfully rendered figures, while titles like Oasis and Still I Rise express themes of perseverance and resilience.
“We’re living through challenging days, and Alade’s pieces speak to that experience,” says Abend curator and co-owner David Ethridge. “They encourage us to keep pushing forward and trust in our ability to endure and evolve.”
Light in the Darkness (IV), acrylic and glow in the dark medium on canvas, 24 x 20"
Riffing off Renaissance still life traditions, even Alade’s memento mori-like works carry messages of renewal and rebirth. Broken pottery, sticks, stones, dead birds and bones—life takes shape even in the face of death and destruction. Without hopelessness, there could be no hope, Alade tells us. Dark and light need each other. Similarly, the complex patterns in many of his works reflect the push and pull of daily life: hard, geometric forms for struggle, soft florals and fruits for abundance.
Trained at Obafemi Awolowo University, Alade joins a host of young Nigerian artists gaining traction on the global stage. Ethridge credits his wife, artist Babs Webb, for introducing him to Alade’s work. “I’ve been really pleased with the response so far,” Ethridge says, “especially during the 2021 Scope Art Fair,where we showcased Alade’s work alongside fellow Nigerian artist Ayobola Kekere-Ekun and Denver artist Robin Hextrum.” The response was “overwhelmingly positive,” he continues. “We now work with several artists from Nigeria, and there is so much talent there.”
Oasis, acrylic and glow in the dark medium on canvas, 60 x 48"
Referencing the bold, pattern-rich traditions of African contemporary art, Alade makes it his own, blending acrylic with spray paint, stenciling, and glow-in-the-dark media. He often includes Bible verses in his work—sometimes painted into obscurity, sometimes fully legible—another indication of his faith and hope for a better world in uncertain times.
Beulah, acrylic and glow in the dark medium on canvas, 56 x 48"
“Ifeoluwa is a dedicated artist to his craft and the conceptualization of his work,” says Ethridge. “I’ve seen some sneak peeks of other series he’s been working on, and they are very compelling. There are exciting things ahead for him.”
The Sprout of Hope will be on view at Abend Gallery from March 28 through April 19, with an opening reception on March 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. —
Abend Gallery 1261 Delaware Street, Suite 2 • Denver, CO 80204 • (303) 355-0950 • www.abendgallery.com
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