Monsuru Ademola Tukuru

Nigeria

Born in: 1966

Painting

Monsuru Ademola Tukuru was born in 1966 in Lagos State, Nigeria, he is one of five siblings. His family originates from the Ile-Alaro compound, Badagry, Lagos State where the people are known for making tye and dye (textile) designs. Tukuru’s father was a Diplomat and because of this, the Tukuru family moved around a lot; they lived in the Republic of Guinea from 1970 - 1972 before moving to Moscow, Russia in 1972, after which they moved to London in 1975 where Tukuru attended Colindale primary school, London NW9 up until 1977 when he transferred to Hendon Junior school, London. In 1980, Demola Tukuru and his family moved back to Lagos State, Nigeria where he continued his education at Maryland Comprehensive.

Tukuru has had the passion for art since he was a child, but the art curriculum in his primary school made his love for art grow. However, it was during his time in the secondary school he worked with the late Shina Yussuff, who was a reputable artist. After his secondary education, Demola Tukuru then studied Art as a professional course at Yaba college of Technology (Yabatech), it was from the institution he acquired his OND(1985-1987) and his HND(1987-1989). In his final year at the institution, the project assigned to him was related to Etching which caused Demola Tukuru to work with Bruce Onakbrupeya, who was already well known for his Etching works. Onobrakpeya inspired Tukuru to explore Etching, he is now known for his Etching works. In 1990, Tukuru got employed at Teamwork LTD as an Art Visualizer, he later got promoted to the post of Studio Manager where he worked for a couple of years before resigning to become a full-time professional studio artist.

Tukuru experiments with various techniques including; drawings, figure paintings, abstracts, object designs and etching works, amongst others; however, he specializes in mixed media paintings using Acrylic and oil colors. With his art, he aims to showcase a rich array of creativity, with a vibrant blend of colours and complexities with aesthetic, emotional and intellectual notes. His works depict African cultural heritage which illustrates Nigeria’s history, traditions, and political consciousness.

Tukuru’s works can be found in various homes and institutions within and outside Nigeria, especially in the U.S., South Africa and Canada etc. Some of his works can be found in prominent spaces like; Eko hotel, Rita Lori hotel, Lekki water side hotel, Icon hotel (Port Harcourt, Nigeria) and Jabita intercontinental hotel, amongst others. Tukuru has formed personal relationships with other prominent Nigerian Artists like Olotu Oyerinde, Biodun Olaku and Saibu Buhari.

Demola Tukuru is now happily married with 3 children, and he resides in Badagry, Lagos.

Comissions and Exhibitions

Monsuru Ademola Tukuru's artworks have been shown in several exhibitions in Nigeria and across the world, including the following ones. He has also commissioned several pieces as shown below.

LOCAL

1. The Logo, Negro Art Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria 2015.

2. Homecoming, Negro Art Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria, 2013.

3. Rhythms in Colors, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria, 2009.

4. Cultures in Colors, Garforth Community College, Visual Art Gallery, Leeds, England, UK, 2008.

5. The Nigerian/Chinese joint Art, art exhibition, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria 2005.

6. SITHNGI 2001, Cape Town, South Africa, 2001.

7. Myraid of Thoughts, Russia Cultural Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, 1995.

8. Nigerian Expo Exhibition, 1992.

INTERNATIONAL

1. Slave Relics on the walls of the Old Slave Market, marking the Black Heritage Festival, Velekete Badagry, Lagos, 1999.

2. Apapa government logo at Apapa local government, Lagos, 2006.