Godwin Oluwole Omofemi (Nigerian, born 1988) The Gatekeeper III, 2020 (framed)

Godwin Oluwole Omofemi (Nigerian, born 1988) The Gatekeeper III, 2020 signed and dated 'Oluwole Omofemi/ 2020' (lower right); inscribed '2 Gatekeeper/ Oil & Acrylic on Canvas/ 48 inch x 48 inch/ 2022' (verso) oil and acrylic on canvas 121 x 121cm (47 5/8 x 47 5/8in). (framed) Footnotes: Provenance Acquired directly from the artist, 2020; A private collection. Born in Ibadan, Nigeria in 1988, Oluwole Omofemi's aptitude for painting was recognised at a young age and fostered by established artists who collectively drew inspiration from the vibrant city. Through his developing body of work, he has gained a reputation for his captivating depictions of female subjects, typically set against vivacious backgrounds such as the bright blue the present work. While the models for the paintings are typically friends and family of the artist, Omofemi believes they accrue a spiritual quality when transferred to canvas. He understands women to be close to God as he associates the qualities traditionally associated with femininity, including love, acceptance, and forgiveness, with the Divine. As Omofemi explains, 'I don't want to just paint a picture. I want a picture that captures the soul. I want a picture that captures personality. These are the things I want people to see' (Omofemi quoted in P. Laster, 2021). It could be concluded therefore, that the present lot is a call to society to promote equality and the education of justice and equity amongst young people for the future of society. Bibliography Paul Laster, 'Reclaiming Identity: Oluwole Omofemi's Paintings Reflect His African Roots', Whitehot Magazine of Contemporary Art , (May 2021, online) This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com