Akintunde Disu
Akintunde Disu is a mixed media artist and screen printer. He was first noticed as a runner up for the BP National Portrait competition exhibition at the Tate Britain in 1986. His work intricately explores his personal history and, by extension, the history of Nigeria. Disu draws inspiration from various sources including Surrealism, the Pop-art movement, and notably, the Nigerian print master Bruce Onobrakpeya.
His notable exhibitions span both national and international stages, showcasing his depth and versatility. Highlights include participation in the Society of Nigerian Artists group exhibition at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, a solo exhibition at Didi Museum in Lagos in November 2014, and contributions to group shows such as Pecha Kucha at the Goethe Institute in Lagos, and "What is the Point?" at the Federation of British Artists' Threadneedle Space, Mall Gallery, in the United Kingdom.
Disu is committed to creating immersive art that serves as a conversation on canvas, offering fresh perspectives on the essence of art. He leverages screen printing to delve into the history of his people, aiming to create a magical, tangible experience. His work is a testament to the power of collaboration and the liberating effect of intentional methodology. Through layering, Disu invites audiences to look beyond the surface, challenging them to uncover the underlying narratives.
He masters his craft by engaging with significant, substantive subjects and cites a broad array of influences from Islamic and tribal art to classic landscape artists like Turner and environmental artists like Christo and Jeanne-Claude. His art speaks a language of repetition and motif inherent in tribal art, while also drawing contemporary influences from artists such as Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali, Sol Lewitt, and Andy Warhol. Disu's art is not only a reflection of his rich heritage and diverse influences but also a dialogue on the democratization and fluidity of art, emphasizing its originality and sensational impact.
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