Dotun Popoola
Dotun Popoola is a Synergetic Metal Sculptor who transforms scrap metals into priceless luxury artworks. He redefines art by injecting aesthetics into mechanical-like textures. Dotun Popoola is known for his striking artworks, carefully made with refined sculptural techniques. He started the journey of his art in synergetic metal sculpture when he learnt how to weld with a mig welder and a plasma cutter in the United States of America. On returning to Nigeria, Dotun started using scraps from junkyards to create enthralling metal works. Dotun’s artworks have focused on remaking junk materials into realistic and depictive forms of animals. Dotun is highly passionate about impacting lives through his artistic skills. He is a change agent who sees his work as an opportunity to promote social consciousness across the globe.
Dotun’s educational background includes a National Diploma in Painting and General Art from Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, where he was the best graduating student for his set. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts degree in Fine and Applied Arts – Sculpture and Painting respectively from Obafemi Awolowo University.
Dotun has carved a niche for himself with his monumental metal sculptures created from junk metals. Although he sculpts other forms, he is specifically known for his artworks carved into animal forms such as Dogs, Lions, Birds, and Horses. He has done several exhibitions in Nigeria and America, illustrating beauty in junk materials. Dotun previously had a solo exhibition called “Irin Ajo” (Journey) in February 2018, at the Signature Beyond Art Gallery, Lagos, where he showcased several artworks including Esin Oba (The Royal Horse), Akuko Gagara (The Rooster), and others like Owiwi (Owl) and the bike.
Read Also: Olalekan Olude
In December 2020 Dotun championed ‘Metala’, his sixth solo art exhibition of 13 synergetic metal sculptures in Victoria Island, Lagos State. Metala, translated to thirteen in the Yoruba language symbolizes breakthrough for Dotun. It also tells a grand narrative on his true identity, which includes family heritage and his long history with metal.
To give back to the society, Dotun provides mentoring opportunities for the professional development of both local and international artists in Nigeria and facilitates art workshops for students, institutions, rehabilitation centres and non-profit organizations.
Dotun is a certified hybrid metal sculptor and a resident artist at John Lopez Studio, Lemmon, South Dakota, U.S. He won the Director General’s Award for Best Artist of the year in the maiden NYSC arts competition in 2009 and featured at the West Africa International Art Fair, ART X Lagos in 2018. He also represented Nigeria at the maiden Scrap Art Exhibition in Qatar, 2019, and at the Global Art Festival in Gujarat, India, in 2020.
Dotun continues to rewrite the history of arts across the globe through his outstanding metal sculptures. His works have been featured in both local and international newspaper publications, TV stations and blogs. He is a member of the board of Artinmedicine Project.
Dotun Popoola inspires us and we are so proud.