About

Israel Agboola Oladapo’s captivating portraits portray the strength and power of individuals he observes in Ibadan, Nigeria. The self-taught artist was raised by his mother, relating back to the artist’s gravitation towards maternal subjects in his works. Within each portrait is both softness and firm strength - golden hues of bronzed skin provide a timeless quality reminiscent of statues cast in metal.

Agboola Oladapo’s works function as a means of storytelling, with his figures caught in a moment of dance-like motion. His series of white paintings encapsulate the holiness of each of his subjects and reflect the artist’s pronounced faith. Each of the subjects of his works are family members, neighbors and everyday acquaintances, giving an intimate look into his life and the people who comprise it in Ibadan. 

Israel Agboola Oladapo has exhibited his works internationally in esteemed gallery presentations spanning London, New York, Los Angeles, and Ibadan, Nigeria as well as Art Basel Miami and Expo Chicago. His work has been collected in esteemed private and public collections including the public Grand Valley State Collection.