Western Media seem to be paying more attention to Nigerians these days, less of Terrorism and more of positive records. This time, it is about Laolu Senbanjo who has just been selected by Nike as their 'Master of Air' which will see him create art-inspired Air Max at the Air Max Con 2016.
He started his style of drawing with Charcoal, borrowing inspiration from prehistoric arts. Although he left arts, his preferred vocation, to read Law (University of Ilorin), having graduated, he resurrected his talents and forayed into professional Fine Arts.
In 2009, he participated in his first exhibition at Elephant House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Sadly, he did not sell a single piece. Today, he is an icon of Contemporary African Fine Arts, widely traveled.
As Nike celebrate their Air Max brand between March 24 and March 26, Laolu’s craft will showcase his originality as African, making a special appearance on March 25, around 7-8pm.
According to thenerveafrica.com, "the Convention Air Max Day was introduced by Nike in 2014. It was created to celebrate the history of Air Max, which stretches back to March 24, 1987.
Called “the ultimate Air Max experience,” Air Max Con will pay tribute to an icon, along with the sneaker design, heritage and innovation that has shaped the culture of the streets today".
Guests will be allowed to try out the shoes of a designer; they will meet the Masters of Air, and also share experience with the sneaker community.
Laolu believes this to be his destiny. Here is how he reacted on hearing of his selection for the exhibition: “I’m making my dreams a reality. This is my 'ayanmo' (a Yoruba word for ‘destiny’). Create your destiny. Let me be your inspiration. Just do it!”
By Uduak Umo
By Uduak Umo
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