Olamilekan Okunade

Okunade Olamilekan (b. 1988) is a contemporary Nigerian artist known for his evocative paintings. Born in Lagos State, Nigeria, and currently residing in Oyo State, he is a full-time practicing studio artist. Olamilekan graduated in 2017 with a B.Tech (Hon. Fine and Applied Arts) from Ladoke Akintola University in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. His artwork primarily explores themes related to the cultural dynamics and societal issues affecting the black community, with a particular focus on the roles and experiences of women. Using acrylic paint on canvas, he draws inspiration from his immediate environment, gender physiognomy, and societal struggles. Olamilekan has participated in numerous joint exhibitions and competitions, achieving recognition as one of the top 100 finalists in the “Life in My City” (Limcaf) competition in 2019. He was also the 2nd runner-up at the Jesudahunsi Art Competition in 2008 and received the award for the most creative student at LAUTECH in 2015. His works have been showcased internationally, including at the Suzhou Expo in China (2021), the MoDhafest Art in Healing Exhibition in the USA (2022), the Yoruba ni mi Gallery in the UK (2022), and the Arrival Gallery Group Exhibition in London, United Kingdom (2026). He held a solo exhibition titled Bloom and Essence at the British Council, 20 Thomson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, on November 22, 2025, and also a group exhibition themed, Unity Renewed, a joint exhibition held at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan also in November 2025. In addition to his artistic practice, Olamilekan has a residential atelier where he mentors young emerging artists through internships. He is a member of Global Arts in Medicine and co-founder of “Sip and Paint Your Mental Health,” demonstrating his commitment to using art as a medium for healing and community engagement. His works are widely collected both in Nigeria and internationally.

Olamilekan Okunade ARTWORKS

Olamilekan Okunade EXHIBITIONS

29. Arrival gallery group exhibition London-July 10 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
28: Coalition. Constance and son art gallery. THE CONFERENCE CENTER, IITA IBADAN
27. +234 Artfair. Ecobank and Soto gallery. March 5-8. 2026
26. Unity Renewed – National museum of unity joint exhibition. 27 & 28 November 2025
25. The Gallery By Tecta Studios debut joint exhibition- Saturday 16th Aug – Sunday 7th Sept- Wuse2 Abuja. 2025
24. Bloom and Essence . British council . 22 & 23 November,2025. Ikoyi lagos
23. LAGOS EASTER ART CARNIVAL. Fobally Art Gallery. 18TH – 2IST. Onikan Lagos
APRIL 2025
22. Miniature art fair lagos. Ogirikan and Iwalewa Art gallery. Nov 30th – Dec 2nd 2024
21. March 22nd -31st. +234 Artfair. Soto gallery, Lagos. 2024
20. How times flies 2. Vivid exclusive gallery. Lekki, Lagos Nigeria. 2023
19. MoDhafest Art in Healing Exhibition, USA, 2022
18.Yoruba Gallery. Yoruba ni mi. UK, 2022.
17.Liesel cerna. International Peace day virtual exhibition. Brazil 2022
16. 5th International Online Art Exhibition organized by Nirantar Art India – 2022
15. 2nd. International virtual exhibition in Chile – 2022
14. D’Gathering Art exhibition. Igando Lagos. 2022
13. 7.International Yunus Emre Exhibition. Turkey 2022
12. Liesel cerna. Mother’s day virtual exhibition. Brazil 2022
11. Movimiento De Arte Emergente. “Children” virtual Exhibition. Mexico 2022

10. World Art Day. Department of Fine Arts, Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University, Punjab. Indian 2022
9. The Made In NAIJA3, The Great Hall Lautech Ogbomoso, 2021
8.Suzhou international Expo. China, 2021
7. Miniature Art fair, Ogirikan, Lagos
6. Life in my city (Limcaf), IMP, Enugu, 2019
5. Life in my city, thought pyramid, Lagos, 2019
4. Dream, (vivid exclusive Gallery) Ajah, Lagos, 2019
3. 11th -15 March, 2019 Law meets Art, Civic centre Lekki, Lagos, 2018.
2. 11th-15 March, 2018 (The Convergence Joint Exhibition)
1.12th-17th May, 2018 (Crowne Art Gallery debut Joint Exhibition)