Tola Wewe, a former Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Tourism in Ondo State, Nigeria and a cousin to Nike Okundaye was born in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria in 1959, trained and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from University of Ife in 1983. He then went to obtain a Master’s degree in African Visual Arts from University of Ibadan, Oyo State in 1986. He worked as a cartoonist before becoming a full-time studio artist in 1991.
At the beginning of his career, three major influences characterized Tola Wewe’s works; the first was his basic academic training at Ife, the second was his master’s research program on the Ijaw water spirit mask and the last was the society, particularly the Yoruba society. His style draws from the Ona symbols of the Yorubas and his themes project traditional lore and myths of the native Yoruba culture. Wewe describes himself more as a witness than an author, communicating with the spirits of his ancestors, and drawing out the invisible spirits – the Anjonnu, Emere and the Ebora – who make the artworks…I am the vehicle, and they are the drivers.
Tolu Wewe is a founding member of the Ona movement which emerged in the February 1989. The movement in groups of scholars, critics and practicing artists committed to pursuing artistic excellence through the adaptation and interpretation of traditional materials and methods, forms and styles of contemporary Yoruba art and design.
International presence
Tola Wewe, whose works are widely acclaimed for their originality, simplicity, surface texture and mastery of colors, is considered one of the most talented minds from the African continent. His work is a hybrid of African and western sensibilities and images, reflecting his own training and experience as an international artists. Beyond Nigeria, Tola Wewe’s work has been exhibited across Europe and the US. As a full time artist, he lives and works in Ondo State, Nigeria.
