Babalola Dare Lawson, born in 1973, emerged as a contemporary traditional artist whose journey began under the mentorship of Femi Johnson in Osogbo. He started painting in 1990 specializing in acrylic and ink on canvas, he has immersed himself in the dynamic realm of the Osogbo art movement, shaping a distinctive style that reflects the essence of his artistic exploration....
Babalola Dare Lawson, born in 1973, emerged as a contemporary traditional artist whose journey began under the mentorship of Femi Johnson in Osogbo. He started painting in 1990 specializing in acrylic and ink on canvas, he has immersed himself in the dynamic realm of the Osogbo art movement, shaping a distinctive style that reflects the essence of his artistic exploration. Since dedicating himself to full-time studio practice in 1996, his artistic evolution has been marked by a continuous quest for improvement. Relocating to Lagos in 1999 has further fueled his creativity, with the city's vibrant character and the unfolding narratives of Africa serving as profound sources of inspiration. In his body of work, which surpasses five hundred paintings, he delves into the intricate intersections of politics, culture, and our way of life. The canvas becomes a means by which he elevates the nuances of how Africans dress, communicate, and experience the breathtaking landscapes that surround him. As an artist, he recognizes the folly of starting as a master know-it-all, Instead, he embraces the philosophy that true mastery evolves through perpetual exploration and the diligent utilization of every available artistic material. His artistic journey mirrors the diverse and complex narratives of Africa, offering a rich archive for exploration and reflection. Babalola Dare Lawson's biography unfolds as a testament to a creative spirit dedicated to the relentless pursuit of improvement.
Babalola Lawson
Their bodies are rhythms, their forms made of fabric, history, and symbol. Patterned in Motion weaves African patterns into the silhouettes of women dancing each one unique yet bound by shared spirit. The patterns don't just decorate they move, telling stories of joy, strength, community, and heritage. This is a celebration of womanhood through the language of culture, color, and dance.
Babalola Lawson
Formed in expressive strokes, marked with lines and cultural patterns, the man and woman face forward but it's the quiet space between them that speaks the loudest. A child, subtly placed, becomes the bridge, the reason, the rhythm, the bond. The Space That Holds Us explores the idea of family not as perfection, but as presence. Where love lives in tension, pattern, silence, and the spaces we choose to keep filled
Babalola Lawson
In the stillness of tradition, a man sits between three women-each poised, composed, and wrapped in ceremonial grace. Rendered in black and white, the painting strips the moment down to its essence: posture, presence, and unsaid things. The Quiet Arrangement reflects the layered silence of formal gatherings where unity is seen, even if not always felt. A study of balance, tradition, and the subtle spaces in between.
