Samuel Oladele’s captivating photography projects seamlessly merge African cultural elements, symbolic storytelling, and evocative visuals, defining his unique Afro-Surrealist style. This bold approach delves into complex themes such as identity, spirituality, and the interplay between physical and metaphysical realms.
Challenging Stereotypes, Celebrating Heritage
Through his lens, Oladele challenges prevailing narratives, honoring African cultural heritage and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Two notable projects, “Spirituality and Face Painting in Africa” and “Inferno’s Dance,” exemplify this approach. The former explores face painting’s significance in African spiritual practices, while the latter captures the mesmerizing art of African fire dance.
Visual Narratives of African Heritage
Oladele’s works, rich in cultural and spiritual symbolism, invite viewers to engage with deeper meanings. Growing up in Nigeria, surrounded by vibrant traditional African art, sparked his lifelong passion for creativity. Formal art training and inspiration from African diasporic artists like Rotimi Fani-Kayode and Ayana V. Jackson further shaped his vision.
Artistic Process and Inspiration
Oladele’s hands-on approach involves curating detailed moodboards and collaborating with makeup artists. This process yields works with strong themes, driven by his desire for nuanced, inclusive representations of African spirituality and cultural heritage.
Upcoming Exhibitions and Evolution
Oladele’s next exhibition will explore African masks’ symbolism and mythology, intersecting spirituality, nature, and humanity. His work continues to evolve, with notable successes including exhibitions at Andakulova Gallery (UAE) and Thompson Gallery (Switzerland).
About the Artist
Samuel Oladele is a Nigerian photographer and artist renowned for his Afro-Surrealist style, which redefines narratives around African identity and spirituality.