Olaseinde Odimayo @75: Celebrating a rich legacy of art and inspiration

As we mark the 75th birthday of Prince Olaseinde Odimayo on Monday, December 2, 2024, we honour a life and career dedicated to elevating art and culture to new heights in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Renowned for his vision, passion, and unwavering commitment, Odimayo has established himself as a transformative force in the world of art curation, inspiring generations through his tireless advocacy for creativity and excellence.

Odimayo’s journey in the art world is a story of brilliance and dedication. From his early days, he demonstrated a rare ability to uncover and amplify the voices of both emerging and established artists. Through his curatorial genius, he has brought global attention to art forms that challenge, uplift, and reflect the human experience. His work has transcended borders, creating bridges between cultures and fostering deeper understanding through the universal language of art.

Throughout his career, Odimayo curated exhibitions that remain milestones in the art world. His influence has extended far beyond galleries and museums, reaching into communities where art serves as a catalyst for change, education, and empowerment. He has always believed in the transformative power of art and has worked tirelessly to ensure it is accessible to all.

As a renowned mentor, Odimayo has nurtured countless artists, curators, and art enthusiasts, sharing his knowledge, wisdom, and passion with humility and grace via Treasure House Fine Arts. His ability to connect with people – whether artists or audiences – is a testament to his generous spirit and profound belief in the potential of art to bring us closer together.

One of his proteges is Nana Asumah, the brain behind Art Pantheon Gallery and arguably the leading light of her generation who has grown in leaps and bounds. She passed through the tutelage of the Odimayo curatorial conveyor belt much earlier when she cut her teeth in the arts ecosystem. With a cursory eye for the inherent talent, Odimayo offered her an opportunity to work with him and he polished the rough diamond christened Nana Asumah whose artistic DNA was carved while digesting the artistic locomotion of the old school exponents of Nigeria arts as a teenager.

And perhaps most importantly, his love for art is contagious. Whether in private conversations or public lectures, his words have inspired all who have crossed his path. For Prince Olaseinde Odimayo, the act of curating is not just a profession but a lifelong journey – a never-ending search for the next transformative experience, the next story that needs to be told, the next boundary that should be pushed.

As a prince, he carries not only the title but also the responsibility of stewardship, and he has fulfilled this role with grace and dignity. His contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage and his work in fostering a deeper appreciation for African art have brought him recognition both at home and abroad. Yet, it is his enduring passion for his people, his culture, and his art that makes him a true leader—not just in title, but in the legacy he leaves behind.

Today, we celebrate not only Prince Olaseinde Odimayo’s remarkable achievements but also the enduring legacy he has built. At 75, he continues to inspire us with his boundless energy and commitment to enriching the art world. His impact will be felt for generations to come. Here’s to Olaseinde Odimayo—an extraordinary curator, a visionary leader, and a true champion of art and humanity. Happy 75th birthday!

Here’s to you – A true master of your craft, a visionary, and an eternal champion of the arts. May the next chapter of your journey be as rich, as inspiring, and as impactful as the many that have come before.

We celebrate you yesterday, today, tomorrow, the future and always -Let the champagne and Prosecco flutes clink to the leading light of the arts ecosystem in this part of the world.

Ayoola Ajanaku is a communications and advocacy specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria.