By Joy Obanya

The National Gallery of Arts (NGA) says the death of ace Artiste, Olu Ajayi, has left a deep void in Nigeria’s cultural, artistic and intellectual landscape.

The Director-General of NGA, Mr Ahmed Sodangi, said this in a statement on Ajayi’s passing reportedly on May 23, at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos State.

According to him, Ajayi left an indelible mark on the nations cultural landscape through his alluring works.

Sodangi said, “With a career spanning over four decades, Ajayi left an unfading mark on the nations cultural landscape through his innovative and captivating works.

“His legacy and immeasurable contributions to the development of our cultural heritage will be sorely missed.

“Ajayi’s artistic style was characterised by his bold use of colours and pseudo-human figures caught in successful solo exhibitions positions he held around the world throughout his illustrious career.

“This includes Nigeria, South Africa, USA, UK, Canada and other European countries that showcased his exceptional talent to a global audience.

“His works have been sold at Burnham’s Auction house, further solidifying his reputation as a master artiste listed in the Who-is-Who in Art Compendium and honoured as a top 100 artists.”

The director-general commended Ajayi’s contribution to Nigerian art, praying for the peaceful repose of Ajayi’s soul and legacy to continue inspiring future generations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajayi, a native of Ososo, Akoko Edo Local Government Area, of Edo State, was born on Aug. 18, 1963.

He graduated from Auchi Polytechnic with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fine Arts in 1984, becoming one of the very first graduate artists who ventured into full-time studio practice.

He was a renowned painter, cartoonist and art aficionado, and had served as past chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos State Chapter.

Ajayi, also a trustee of the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) and a board member of the Visual Art Society of Nigeria (VASON), instituted the October Rain and Art Café events that has become the hallmark of SNA’s yearly programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi