 |
| Kabir Adejare. Photo via jareking.com |
Telling stories through art -- Kabir Adejare and his African culture shared
PLEASANT HILL -- Many artists are inspired by a particular subject they intend to capture in a painting or sculpture.
But Kabir Adejare said he creates art specifically to tell stories -- historical events, current affairs and folk tales.
But Kabir Adejare said he creates art specifically to tell stories -- historical events, current affairs and folk tales.
Upon entering the Diablo Valley College Library, one can view "Imura," Adejare's pen and ink on canvas and wonder, "What's the story behind it?"
The artist will tell you that "Imura" represents a young woman's preparation for a coming-of-age ceremony back in his native Nigeria.
"I paint when I have something to say," said Adejare. "I'm not a writer. I'm an artist who has something to communicate to the world, and my paintings describe what I'm thinking."
While he claims he's not a writer, a visit to Adejare's website indicates otherwise. Not only does Adejare post his paintings on his Web site, but he also writes a whole story behind the painting, indicating an exact event or situation that inspired him to create art. He also adds an extensive explanation of the techniques and creative process behind his designs.
Adejare, a Concord resident, finds just the right medium to tell his stories. He has a wide range to choose from -- acrylic and oil paint, pen and ink, plywood cut, batik, appliqué and embroidery.
"I consistently explore new contexts in which to promote very familiar, but valuable life lessons," he said.
For instance, his pen and ink on canvas that shows a woman holding the world's burdens on her shoulders, titled "Global Burdens," boldly addresses social justice and current affairs, he said.
 |
| Global Burdens © Kabir Adejare via jareking.com. All rights reserved. |
For instance, his pen and ink on canvas that shows a woman holding the world's burdens on her shoulders, titled "Global Burdens," boldly addresses social justice and current affairs, he said.
"With the problem in Sudan, and men going to war, women end up building the nation and putting pieces back together," he said. "She carries the nation on her shoulders gracefully. Women have a voice, but no one's listening."
As president of the East Bay Artists Guild, Adejare wants artists to know the group he joined in 2007 is still as warm and welcoming as ever. The group, which currently has shows at a storefront along Crescent Plaza in downtown Pleasant Hill and one at the Diablo Valley College library gallery, consists of professional artists as well as newly-exhibited artists.
His woodburning piece hanging at the DVC library pays homage to mathematician Thomas Fuller.
"I was amazed that he succeeded without formal education," Adejare said of his subject.
Adejare first explored the world of art drawing on the outside walls of a house as a kid growing up in Nigeria. The first artist in his family was his great-great grandfather, who created colorful beaded crowns with African images.
He later worked as an apprentice to some of the country's most notable artists, including Nike Davies Okundaye, who works with batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique used on textiles. He often conducts workshops in the local area using batik. Adejare said that he admires Okundaye's meticulous sense of detail that he said he applies to his own art.
One of the main reasons Adejare -- who works as a phlebotomist for the American Red Cross -- creates art is to share the richness of his Nigerian culture to the rest of the world. His website, www.jareking.com, provides a window to his African culture.
Adejare, who will also show his artwork at the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek from Dec. 3 until Jan. 26, is honored to display work among his artist guild peers at DVC.
For Walter Crew of Pleasant Hill, exhibiting at the DVC library is a lot like coming home. Crew, president of Pleasant Hill-based Las Juntas Artists, took painting classes at DVC, and said his subjects include animals and local hiking trails.
"I think our show is a must-see for local artists and art enthusiasts," Crew said.
The DVC art show also includes the work of East Bay Artists Guild photographers Michael Warwick of Walnut Creek and Lafayette resident Dave Dondero.
East Bay Artists Guild Show
WHEN: Through Dec. 10
WHERE: Diablo Valley College Library, Pleasant Hill
INFORMATION: http://ebag.wordpress.com/
PLEASANT HILL -- Many artists are inspired by a particular subject they intend to capture in a painting or sculpture.
No comments:
Post a Comment