THE COLORS OF DIALOGUE | Tunde Odunlade

The exhibition will feature 20 large textile/mixed media pieces and over 25 significant works on paper.  Tunde will be traveling to St. Paul for the opening reception on November 15.  

Tunde Odunlade’s work draws on the rich history of Yoruba art and culture, modern-day life in Nigeria, and his passion for music and humanity. It blends contemporary and traditional techniques, including quilting, beadwork, batik, and a new style he calls “floatograph” that combines the techniques of marbleizing, calligraphy, and batik to create organic abstractions. Tunde does not create “art for art’s sake.” Rather, he is committed to “art with a purpose.” His work aims to reach across cultural differences; raise awareness among his own people and the international community about the potential as well as the challenges facing Nigeria; and open a dialogue about the need for common understanding and shared goals to bridge the gaps amongst nations.

About the Artist

Tunde Odunlade studied in the early 1970’s under Yinka Adeyemi, a member of the Oshogbo school of art that was largely responsible for the explosion of creative contemporary art emanating from Nigeria.  Tunde was also a participant and pupil of the Oguntimehin Art Workshop under the auspices of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.

Tunde has exhibited, taught, lectured, studied and traveled extensively within Nigeria and throughout Africa, North America, and Europe.  He  His pieces can be found in the collections of many institutions, including the Smithsonian Museum of African Art as well as the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the MacArthur Foundation Collection in Chicago, and the State House in Lagos, Nigeria. His work is also in the collections of many private individuals in North America, Europe, and Nigeria.

Gallery/Venue Details

ArT @ 967 Payne is a collaborative studio, co-working and gallery space for a diverse and inclusive community of artists and entrepreneurs working, exhibiting, selling, teaching, and making a positive impact on the East Side of St. Paul.  Our storefront gallery exhibitions change every four to six weeks, featuring a combination of local resident artists, invited guest artists and community art and cultural events.

Gallery Hours: By Appointment (651) 895 6203; stephanfkistler@gmail.com)