Here’s another of Africa’s artistic gems, from Nigeria. We only have to look at his art for a few seconds to realize the exceptional level of talent we are dealing with. At just 21 years of age, Adégòkè gives us the impression that he knew how to draw before he could talk or walk.

It was a pleasure to meet this brilliant draughtsman during a video call to learn more about his artistic journey.

Surprisingly, Adégòkè’s artistic journey began at 7, when he drew his first sketches from cartoons and comics. His talent grew exponentially as he matured.

By the time he reached high school, he was passionate about drawing and had a certain mastery of it. Still, when he was introduced to the world of hyperrealism by a close acquaintance (Gbadamosi Dayo a.k.a. Ekundayo arts), he realized that there were many other levels to this craft and that he had to seriously work at it to reach them.

Under the guidance of Ekundayo arts and other mentors, and the influence of great masters of hyperrealism such as Arinze Stantley, Kelvin Okafor, and Ken Nwandiogbu, Adégòkè worked tirelessly on his art. His practice included drawing 100 “heads” a day, and drawing even when he didn’t feel like it. His unwavering discipline enabled him to refine his lines to give us the stunning works we see today.

Adégòkè draws most of his inspiration from his environment; what he likes or dislikes, what moves him and gives him food for thought. For him, creating without music in his ears is unthinkable; it’s music that puts him in a state of flow, where no line, no nuance, no shadow escapes him, enabling him to fully embrace his hyperreality and make us vibrate in it.

Adégòkè’s only aim in creating is to express what he feels and observes and to use his art as a tool to raise awareness of various aspects of life.

When asked how he sees his future as an artist, his answer is simple; “Tomorrow holds countless surprises, but my goal for the future is to always be better than yesterday.”

So, Adégòkè, I wish you to continue perfecting your art (if that’s even possible🙂) and to pursue your meteoric rise so you fill us with even more wonder.

Thank you for our warm and inspiring encounter.

To acquire one or more of Adégòkè’s phenomenal works or commission him, contact him here: https://www.instagram.com/ade_arts/

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)