By Nehru Odeh
The Ìrìnàjòedá Art Exhibition, which held from December 19 to 21 at the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Exhibition Hall, National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, was truly one of a kind.
The three-day event was more than a conventional art exhibition. It went beyond merely showcasing paintings, as the artists conveyed deep emotions and communicated directly with art lovers through their works.
The exhibition, themed Ìrìnàjòedá—which translates to the journey of human life in Yoruba—featured emotionally charged paintings by 22 artists. It was organised by Constance and Sons Gallery in collaboration with the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan.
What stood out most was how the artists narrated their personal stories and life experiences through their works, while simultaneously prompting guests and art lovers to reflect on their own journeys.
Indeed, it was an emotional and thought-provoking experience, as visitors moved from one artwork to another, encountering expressions of pain, pleasure, joy, poverty, surprise, and other human emotions that resonated deeply with them.
“I haven’t seen this kind of exhibition before. In fact, I’m thrilled. Each of the paintings speaks to my soul,” enthused Anuoluwapo as she, alongside her friend, took photographs with some of the artworks.
In her welcome address, Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, Curator of the National Museum of Unity and Zonal Head, Southwest Museums, explained that the exhibition explored the journey of humanity—from its beginning to a future that lies in the womb of time.
“Today, we gather not just to view artworks but to step into a shared story—one that speaks of our origins, our identities, our struggles, and our endless capacity for transformation. This exhibition is a powerful reminder that art is more than visual expression; it is a language through which humanity reflects on itself.
“Ìrìnàjòedá invites us on a journey that asks important questions: Where do we come from? Who are we? And what do we become? Through the creative voices presented here, we encounter reflections of ancestry, memory, resilience, and spirituality. These works mirror our collective experiences while honouring individual narratives that shape the human condition.”
Otuka also noted that the artists whose works were on display had poured their lived experiences into their art.
“They are turning their experiences into art. Art is expression. Art is emotion. Art is story. The journey continues. What you are going to see are different stories in different forms. Each artist tells their story in the way they feel, through their own expression.
“The exhibition you are going to see today is an archive of events that have happened in each of their lives, placed on canvas for you to experience live,” she said.
Asked how the idea for the exhibition was conceived, Otuka said it was inspired by the success of an earlier exhibition themed Àìmàsìkò.
“We want to create something that resonates with the present and with what is happening in society. A lot of people have stories to tell. When the idea was shared with me, I felt it was time to do something like this here, which is why we are having this exhibition.”
On the kinds of stories being told through the artworks, she said: “They are not the same. Just as our faces and palm markings are different, so are our pains and joys. You will see paintings of joy, pain, surprise, poverty, and wealth—works that tell diverse stories of humanity.”
Mr Dunmade Ayegbayo, founder and CEO of Constance and Sons Gallery and the brain behind the exhibition, said the idea for the Ìrìnàjòedá Art Exhibition stemmed from his personal experiences.
“The inspiration behind Ìrìnàjòedá is very personal to me. It is something I had been reflecting on for about two months, especially after organising Àìmàsìkò – Ignorance of Divine Timing. At that time, I was thinking deeply about time and about doing the right thing at the right moment.
“I reflected on the mistakes I had made in the past—where I failed and, most importantly, where I succeeded. These reflections made me realise that I needed to create something that would encourage people to sit down and reflect on their own lives, just as I did,” Ayegbayo said.
On how long it took to plan the exhibition, Ayegbayo said it took six months. He explained that the gallery had organised four exhibitions in 2025.
“The first was Àìmàsìkò, a private opening at the Ibadan Golf Club. The second was the main Àìmàsìkò event. The third was the inaugural exhibition at the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Exhibition Hall, while the fourth is Ìrìnàjòedá,” he said.
Ayegbayo also revealed that Constance and Sons Gallery has ambitious plans for 2026, including exhibitions featuring 52 artists and 520 artworks, as well as several solo exhibitions.
“We want to start organising solo exhibitions, and we have mapped out some artists we will work with. We also plan to create a synergy between fashion and art, something many people find difficult. We intend to do this by November 2026. There are many programmes lined up between January and December 2026, and they will be executed professionally,” he added.
He expressed satisfaction with what the gallery has achieved since its conception in 2018 and the commencement of operations in 2020.
“Constance and Sons Gallery has been able to showcase African art to the world. For many years, African art has been relegated to the background. Some foreigners find it difficult to relate to and understand African art.
“But what we have done is to showcase and explore African artists and place them, at least to some extent, on the global stage. We are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to expand and explore, so people around the world can understand that African art is the best in the world.”
Meanwhile, Otuka described the exhibition as immersive while giving guests a preview of what to expect.
“When we say the exhibition is immersive, we mean that you come, look at the artwork, immerse yourself in it—eat it, swallow it, digest it.
“Ìrìnàjòedá is not just an exhibition; it is about humanity, emotions, and your personal journey. Sometimes, when you stand before a painting and understand it, it resonates with you because many of us have walked similar paths. That is why we call it immersive—it must mean something in your life and stir something within you.”
She also expressed appreciation to Constance and Sons Gallery for providing a platform that elevates meaningful artistic conversations.
“I strongly believe in the power of exhibitions like this to bridge cultures, preserve memory, and foster dialogue. This collaboration demonstrates how institutional and private cultural spaces can work together to deepen public engagement with art and heritage. I commend the artists for their courage, creativity, and sincerity.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as you move through this exhibition, I encourage you to look beyond the surface of each artwork, engage with the stories, feel their emotions, and allow yourself to become part of this journey.
“May Ìrìnàjòedá inspire reflection, connection, and renewed understanding of our shared humanity. Once again, I welcome you all and wish you a truly enriching exhibition experience,” Otuka concluded.
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