Kolade Oshinowo’s (b. 1948, Ibadan) artworks examines the connection between individuals and their surroundings, whether in rural or congested urban spaces. Oshinowo also creates intimate portraits that capture the dignity and emotional complexity of his subjects.

Oshinowo graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zara in 1972. After graduation, he taught for two years at Kings College Lagos, before moving to Yaba College of Technology. He worked as an assistant lecturer in drawing and painting, later becoming the Head of the Fine Art Department at Yaba College of Technology in 1986. He served as the Director of the School of Art, Design, and Printing in 1990 as as Deputy Rector of the college between 1992-1996. He retired from Yaba College of Technology as a Chief Lecture in 2008. Since then, Oshinowo has maintained a full time studio practice.

Oshinowo has served as a member of several professional organizations and boards. He was a member of the Visual Arts Subcommittee of the Nigerian participation at FESTAC 77, and he was involved in mounting the inaugural exhibition of the national Arts Theatre, Lagos in 1977.

He is a past president of the Society of Nigerian Artists, and he has served on the boards of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Yaba College of Technology Governing Council, Pendulum Centre for Culture and Community Economic Development and Visual Art Society of Nigeria (VASON).

He also served as a consultant to National Gallery Art (NGA). Oshinowo is the recipient of many awards, including the National Productivity Order of Merit Award of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Oshinowo has held over twenty-five solo exhibitions throughout his prolific career and has participated in numerous international exhibitions. His most recent solo exhibition was held at Mydrim Gallery, Lagos, in 2018. He has exhibited his work internationally in UK, United States, France, Italy, USSR, Cuba, Romania, and India.