Nigerian Times

Toyin Alade: The Visualist of Pan African Cultural Symbolism If you have never seen Toyin Alade's paintings, then you have not seen some of the best works of contemporary African Art. I have known Toyin Alade (TA) for over 20 years as one of the best and most gifted fine artists in Africa. He belongs to the famous Abayomi Barber School founded by his mentor and teacher Abayomi Barber in 1973 and located on the campus of the University of Lagos for many years. Abayomi Barber School is famous for their naturalism as exhibited in the drawings and paintings of the celebrated members Muri Adejimi, Olu Spencer, Busari Agbolade, Kent Ideh, Bunmi Lasaki, and Bayo Akinwole, who are contemporaries of TA. I have had the honour of being exhibited with Muri Adejimi by Mrs. Simidele Ogunsanya before she opened her popular Mydrim Gallery. That was even before I discovered TA's art in his studio at his residence in Bariga near the Lagos lagoon. I was instantly thrilled by...