IFE C. FIDUDUSOLA

“There are many hidden truths about Nigerian culture, there are stories to tell. When people buy my work, I want them to ask about it because all of my work tells the story.”

Born in Iseyin, Nigeria in 1967, Ife Fidudusola’s first exposure to the arts and crafts that would become his life’s work came at the hands of his grandmother. A master in Indigo processes and decorative sewing, she taught Ife from the age of seven while passing along the rich cultural history behind these skills. The Yoruba civilization of Nigeria has been known for producing superior artisans since the tenth century and has retained this ability through educational storytelling in the oral tradition. Their depiction of true to life figures and situations in art predates their European counterparts by 400 years.

With a solid foundation in Yoruba aesthetic, Ife began a Western style education through primary and secondary school. After graduation from secondary school, he enrolled in the Government Technical College in Oyo, Oyo State in 1987. There he was instructed in the basics of painting and design. In 1988, Ife began coursework at the Institute of Management Technology in Enugu, Anambra State, toward a degree in Fine Art. Upon graduation in 1992, Ife started as an apprentice at the famed Nike Center for Art and Culture in Osogbo, Osun State. Here he concentrated in the disciplines of wood sculpture, reverse appliqué’, embroidery and quilting. At Nike, Fidudusola changed his focus from Western European modernism to develop his own interpretation of traditional arts, such as using batik on rice paper.

After sharpening his skills at Nike and also mastering traditional Yoruba dance, drum language and fire rituals, Ife decided to educate others. In early 2000 he opened the DUDU Gallery in his new hometown of Osogbo. He employs nine apprentices, who focus primarily on painting and sculpture, but also hold educational workshops on the Yoruba civilization. They also run the gallery business.

Established in Nigeria, Ife began to travel to different cities worldwide sharing the beauty of his culture through personal interpretation in painting and performance. Fidudusola has toured the United States extensively, holding workshops in schools, universities and community centers. While living in New York City, he brought his design skills as a consultant to several businesses. Now residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ife has returned to painting and batik. His work can currently be seen in several local shops and galleries.

Ife can be contacted by phone at 505.204.4263.