1. ARTIST PROFILE: EYITAYO TOLULOPE IJISAKIN
Tayo Ijisakin holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Degree in Fine Arts in 1997; a Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Degree in Graphic Design in 2003, a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) Degree in 2011, and currently on a PhD
programme in African Art Studies from Obáfémi Awólówò University, Ile-Ife. His area of expertise is Graphic
Design and African Art History with special interest in advertising designs, printmaking, customized handmade
cards, computer graphics, and bead painting. He has been a Lecturer since 2002 in his alma mater, and has
published several articles in local and international reputable journals. He has also participated in many art
exhibitions including several series of the “Best of Ife” which is a gathering of the best of the works of the
graduates of Ife Art School. Also, the “Portraiture Traditions from Ile-Ife, Nigeria”, held at the School of Oriental
and African Studies, Russel Square, London, 2005. He has also participated in several “Harmattan Workshop”
at the Niger Delta Cultural Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
He is an active member of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), and the Public Relations Officer of the
Osun State Chapter between 2005 and 2011. He is also a member of the Nigerian Field Society (NFS) Ile-Ife
branch; and, a registered member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). He is a recipient
of a number of distinctions among which are the Award for National Drawing Competition on Breast Feeding
(Baby Friendly Initiative) organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with UNICEF, 1996; as well
as, the National Youth Service Corps’ Merit Award for Distinguished High Performance and Dedication to Duty,
1998. In 2008, the Fine and Applied Arts Students’ Association (FASA), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,
honours him with the “Award of Excellence for immense contributions towards academic excellence and
development of the Association. He was elected twice into the University Senate as the representative of the
Congregation between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2012.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
It is my very strong belief that African arts would continue to be appreciated, hence, the need for its
preservation and promotion in this technologically advanced world. There is need to explore African art in
promoting cultural values and addressing socio-political problems. Also, the use of the philosophies of
African people in the study of their arts cannot be overemphasised.
Eyitayo Tolulope Ijisakin
Department of Fine & Apllied Arts
Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
visn4exelence@yahoo.ca
tayoijisakin@oauife.edu.ng
0803 385 6772