Unveiling Everyday Beauty: A Review of Femi Morakinyo’s Artistic Mastery

Written by Ade Olusola Kunmi

Femi Morakinyo’s art is an exploration of the familiar, rendered with a distinctive twist that both captivates and mesmerizes the viewer. Stepping into the realm of Morakinyo’s creations is akin to entering a world where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, where the mundane is imbued with a profound sense of beauty and significance.

One of the most striking aspects of Morakinyo’s oeuvre is his use of sticker-like images, reminiscent of mail stickers, which immediately draw the viewer’s attention. This unconventional choice serves as a testament to Morakinyo’s willingness to think outside the confines of traditional artistic norms, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes contemporary art.

Central to Morakinyo’s body of work is the portrayal of black men and women, who take center stage in each painting. However, far from eclipsing the surrounding elements, these figures coexist harmoniously with their environment, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that unfold within each canvas.

In “In Its Been Ages,” Morakinyo presents us with a poignant vignette of domestic life, where a black woman eagerly opens a letter, her anticipation palpable even before its contents are fully revealed. This attention to detail and nuance infuses the painting with a sense of intimacy, inviting the viewer to become a silent observer of the everyday moments that define our existence.

What sets Morakinyo’s work apart is his ability to imbue his subjects with a universal relatability. Whether depicting a housewife, a young woman, a military officer, or a clerk, each character resonates with authenticity, embodying the diverse spectrum of human experiences.

However, it is in “Association Day” that Morakinyo truly shines, offering a glimpse into the past with a nostalgic reverence that is both heartwarming and evocative. Transporting us to a Nigerian household in the 1980s, Morakinyo meticulously recreates the ambiance of a bygone era, from the aluminum plates sitting on a table, somewhere in the corner of the house, to the vintage sewing machine occupying pride of place in the living room. It is a testament to Morakinyo’s mastery that he is able to evoke such a potent sense of nostalgia, inviting us to revel in the beauty of a time long past.

In conclusion, Femi Morakinyo is a visionary artist whose work transcends the boundaries of time and space. Through his evocative portrayal of everyday life, he invites us to rediscover the beauty that surrounds us, hidden in plain sight. With each brushstroke, Morakinyo breathes life into his subjects, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary and leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of contemporary art.