THE OLAYOMBO EFFECT

Samuel Olayombo is a Nigerian born and raised contemporary artist currently based in Accra-Ghana.A fine and applied arts graduate from the University of Benin,Olayombo is a huge texture lover who works with oils,acrylics,charcoal and pastels to create vibrant,dramatic and thought provoking large scale canvases of predominantly male,non-gender normative portraits.

The popular scarification(scarring culture) among the Yoruba tribe is one of the key things that influences the skin textures of each piece the artist works on.Olayombo uses a pallet knife to convey intricate and delicate 3-dimensional skin textures.

In as much as the scarring culture influences his works,he also seeks to explore the toxic masculinity,macho male culture,construct of sexuality,gender roles and gender equality.

Samuel envisions his striking portraits as and effort to change the representation and narrative on what it means to be a man.The great Vincent Van Gough and Arja Valimaki are two artists who inspire and Olayombo and the stunning pieces he creates.

“UNCHAINED:The Cotton Candy Cowboys” is one exhibition that shed light on the artist’s unique style.The bright pink color on each piece was captivating and the artist described the pink clothing and background as a symbol of softness,kindness,nurturance and compassion;qualities that are often related to the female gender.

The works throughout the show build on crossing the bridges and boundaries of traditional masculinity.The bright pink color in sharp contrast to the dark skin of each male figure in every piece accentuate the figures and imagines the notion of men in pink from a fresh perspective.

The Black male figures affirm the stoic strength of the western cowboy archetype while unveiling the sweet,delicate and dynamic nature of masculinity.

Even though the artist’s figures appear rigid and emotionless,they still seem to portray a vulnerable,carefree and light-hearted nature.This goes to say that the male gender is also allowed to show their soft side regardless of how society has portrayed them.