Oluwole Omofemi (born in 1988), whose full name is Godwin Oluwole Omofemi, is an international artist from southern Edo State in Nigeria. He was born in the old city of Ibadan, where his artistic talent emerged and was nurtured by older artists.
Omofemi spent much of his childhood with his grandfather, a major influence who initially hoped he would become an electrician. As a young boy, Omofemi enjoyed expressing his creativity by drawing on the ground. His playful drawings impressed an older neighbor so much that a woman once predicted he would achieve great artistic accomplishments.
He not only encountered hardship in his early years but also faced moments of solitude. These experiences deepened his artistic vision and provided material that continues to shape his creativity. His childhood memories of the inner streets of Ibadan remain a lasting source of inspiration.
He also spent part of his early life in Edo State when his mother moved away. She took him to Etsako, Agenebode, a coastal fishing community where he worked as a fish seller. Later, Omofemi and his mother reunited with his grandfather. Still brimming with creative energy, he was enrolled in primary school. He then went to live with his paternal grandfather, who instilled in him a strong attitude toward life.
In his early years, Omofemi also sold beer, using part of his earnings to buy drawing books and begin building his artistic path. He eventually purchased a wheelbarrow to support his small beer-selling business. The hustle and bustle of Ibadan, particularly the famous Dugbe Market, fueled his imagination and provided him with creative impulses. He later met a professional artist from whom he received his first informal artistic training.
Omofemi was recognized as one of the best artists at his secondary school, Community Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan. Tope Fatunbi was the first professional artist to help guide him toward a sustained artistic career. Omofemi has teaching experience and enjoys dancing, meeting people and playing football. He once opened a small kiosk to display his miniature artworks.
Interestingly, the name “Oluwole” was given to him by his grandfather; in Yoruba, it literally means “God has visited us,” reflecting his grandfather’s belief that Omofemi would be his heir.
His artistic strength lies in his ability to elevate the human figure, a skill he has continued to refine professionally. He works primarily with oil and acrylic, favoring oil. Omofemi’s first exhibition took place at the National Museum of Ibadan in Nigeria. The Alliance Française of Ibadan also hosted one of his shows. He has exhibited in several prestigious galleries in Lagos, Italy, Belgium and Ghana, and he has held a solo exhibition.
To him, African art carries deep meaning because it often reflects personal experiences that can be complex. His mind continues to resonate with childhood memories that supplied the raw material for his work. He believes that art has a functional role in society: to correct social ills, reveal the messages carried by the artist and serve as a memory of the past.
He earned his Higher National Diploma from Ibadan Polytechnic, where he was also recognized as one of the best graduating students of the year. As a visionary, Omofemi has always sought to use art to uplift the underprivileged, showcase African fashion and feminine beauty, and contribute to the revival of Afrocentric pride. His works are widely collected in Nigeria and abroad.