Art
Meet the Master Artist!
Tola Wewe (born Adetola Festus Wewe on November 19, 1959) is an illustrious Nigerian artist whose extensive career has significantly impacted the African visual arts landscape. Born in Shabomi, Ondo State, Tola Wewe’s artistic journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to creativity, cultural heritage, and art
"Art is the soul's language, a timeless dialogue between the past and the present. Through every stroke and hue, we capture the essence of our heritage, breathing life into the unseen and the unspoken."
Tola Wewe
About Tola Wewe
Education
Education
Education
Tola Wewe's academic pursuit in the arts began at the Government Teachers College in Ikorodu, Lagos (1975-1978), where he earned a Teachers Grade II Certificate and a GCE Ordinary Level. He furthered his education at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), obtaining a B.A. (Hons.) in Fine Arts in 1983. Driven by a passion
Tola Wewe's academic pursuit in the arts began at the Government Teachers College in Ikorodu, Lagos (1975-1978), where he earned a Teachers Grade II Certificate and a GCE Ordinary Level. He furthered his education at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), obtaining a B.A. (Hons.) in Fine Arts in 1983. Driven by a passion for African art, he pursued an M.A. in African Visual Arts at the University of Ibadan, which he completed in 1986.
Career
Education
Education
Wewe’s career spans several esteemed positions. He started as a Fine Arts Teacher at the Teachers’ College in Igboegunrin, Ondo State (1984-1985), and later became a lecturer at the University of Ife, Adeyemi College of Education (1987-1991). His professional journey continued with significant roles, including Senior Artist at Daily Times
Wewe’s career spans several esteemed positions. He started as a Fine Arts Teacher at the Teachers’ College in Igboegunrin, Ondo State (1984-1985), and later became a lecturer at the University of Ife, Adeyemi College of Education (1987-1991). His professional journey continued with significant roles, including Senior Artist at Daily Times Nigeria Plc. and Art Editor at EXCHEQUER, Goose Communications Ltd, Lagos.
In 1993, Wewe transitioned to the role of General Manager at Signature Art Gallery in Lagos before committing to full-time art practice in 1995. His dedication to promoting culture and tourism was recognised when he served as the State Commissioner for the Ondo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism from 2009 to 2011.
Awards
Education
Awards
Wewe's contributions to the arts have earned him numerous awards:
- Merit for Creativity (2003)
- Artist Honoree by the County of Los Angeles (2004)
- Overall Winner in competitive exhibitions by Guinness Nigeria Plc. and Nigerian Breweries (2004, 2007)
- Outstanding Alumnus Award from Obafemi Awolowo University (2005)
- Award of Excellence by Idanre Po
Wewe's contributions to the arts have earned him numerous awards:
- Merit for Creativity (2003)
- Artist Honoree by the County of Los Angeles (2004)
- Overall Winner in competitive exhibitions by Guinness Nigeria Plc. and Nigerian Breweries (2004, 2007)
- Outstanding Alumnus Award from Obafemi Awolowo University (2005)
- Award of Excellence by Idanre Political Appointees Forum (2010)
- Olympic Gold Medal awarded by the International Olympic Committee (2012)
Culture and Tourism Man of the Year by Triangle Magazine Achievers Awards (2014)
About Tola Wewe
Title
Legacy & Impact
Legacy & Impact
Tola Wewe's influence extends beyond the art world into cultural leadership. He holds several chieftaincy titles, including:
- Obagbemigun of Idoani Land (2005)
- Bobagunwa of Odowo, Ondo Kingdom (2005)
- Oluaye Agbasaga (2014), recognises his contributions to promoting Nigerian and Yoruba culture.
Legacy & Impact
Legacy & Impact
Legacy & Impact
Tola Wewe continues to inspire as a dedicated artist and cultural advocate. His legacy is enriched by his roles as a lecturer, cultural commissioner, and prominent figure in the Nigerian art scene. With a career marked by artistic brilliance and cultural dedication, Tola Wewe remains a pivotal figure in celebrating and advancing African art globally.
Latest Project
Legacy & Impact
Latest Project
As part of activities towards the global celebration of the 90th birthday anniversary of Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, master artist Tola Wewe collaborated with Princess Marinay, a Vision of The Child Champion and Poet, to create a masterful tribute to Wole Soyinka. Inspired by the genius of Michelangelo,
The painting titled "Th
As part of activities towards the global celebration of the 90th birthday anniversary of Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, master artist Tola Wewe collaborated with Princess Marinay, a Vision of The Child Champion and Poet, to create a masterful tribute to Wole Soyinka. Inspired by the genius of Michelangelo,
The painting titled "The Legacy of Wole Soyinka in the Eyes of Michelangelo" took place at the iconic Piazza del Duomo in the historic city of Florence on June 13, 2024.
This painting reimagines Wole Soyinka from the perspective of Michelangelo, much like Michelangelo’s famed "The Creation of Adam" fresco from the Sistine Chapel, created around 1511.
Exhibitions
Tola Wewe's work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions globally, reflecting his prominence in the art world. Notable exhibitions include:
- 1988: Exhibition of Ondo State Professional Artists, Ministry of Information, Youth and Social Welfare, Akure.
- 1989: Ona 1, Ibadan.
- 1989: “Multiplex Realities”, O.A.U, Ife, Ile Ife.
- 1989: “Pushing the Limits of Vision”, Lagos.
- 1989: “Exhibition of Contemporary Ife Art”, Ile Ife.
- 1990: “Beyond Visual Beauty”, National Museum, Lagos.
- 1990: “Ona 2”, National Museum, Lagos.
- 1991: “Provincial Monuments”, Ondo.
- 1992: “Our Own”, National Museum, Lagos.
- 1993: “The Best of Ife”, Lagos.
- 1993: “Styles”, Lagos.
- 1993: “Just Before Christmas”, Lagos.
- 1996: Russian Cultural Centre, Lagos.
- 1997: Iola Gallery, Lagos.
- 1998: Nimbus Art Centre, Lagos.
- 1999: Alliance Francais, Lagos.
- 1999: Elf Village, Port Harcourt.
- 2000: Iola Gallery, Lagos.
- 2000: Centre Culturel Francais, Cotonou, Rep. of Benin.
- 2001: Parish Gallery, Washington DC, USA.
- 2002: Bettendorffsche Galerie Im Schlossgarten Gauangelloch/Liemen, Germany.
- 2003: Elf Village, Port Harcourt.
- 2003: Bettendorffsche Galerie Im Schlossgarten, Gauangelloch/Liemen, Germany.
- 2003: Kunst Forum Das Carre, Heidelberg, Germany.
- 2004: Nicon Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria.
- 2004: 12th Pan African Film/Art Festival, Los Angeles, USA.
- 2004: Nimbus Art Centre, Lagos.
- 2004: Espace Alberica, Paris, France.
- 2004: Bettendorffsche Galerie Im Schlossgarten, Gauangelloch/Liemen, Germany.
- 2004: Platterforum, Denver, Colorado, USA.
- 2005: Nimbus Art Centre, Lagos.
- 2005: Neo Art Gallery, Denver, Colorado, USA.
- 2005: Conningsby Gallery, London.
- 2006: Bettendorffsche Galerie Im Schlossgarten, Gauangelloch/Liemen, Germany.
- 2006: Galerie des Beauxarts, Heeze, Netherlands.
- 2007: The Civic Centre, Lagos.
- 2008: Galerie 23, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- 2010: “The Return of Our Mother”, Lagos.
- 2010: The Mojo Gallery, Dubai, UAE.
- 2011: “Footnotes”, Etisalat sponsored, Lagos.
- 2012: Olympic Exhibition, London.
- 2013: Nike Art Centre, Lagos.
- 2014: Red Door Gallery, Lagos.
- 2014: Ashanti Gallery, Abuja.
- 2015: Galerie Duvivier, Paris, France.
- 2015: Alliance Francaise and The Moorhouse, Ikoyi, Lagos.
- 2016: Bettendorffsce Galerie, Im Schlossgarten, Gauangelloch/Liemen, German
- 2016: Gallery of African Arts, London.