Moyo Oyelola is a local Nigerian-American creative artist living in Austin for 24 years. Oyelola is a holistic artist combining photography, construction and activism. All his passions are on display in his east Austin studio.
Oyelola’s essence captivates viewers and visitors, as it captivated me. Upon walking into his studio laid a couple of mini stacked chairs. They are from Oyelola’s project, Open Chair ATX. The project captures intimate portraits illustrating the resolve of Black Austin, an invitation to accredit and vocalize in all circumstances. The chairs represent a welcoming platform to sit in with, express, and join the minority experience within the East Austin community. Instead of adopting overly-broad ideas, Oyelola seeks justice by fostering specific conversations with a specific demographic. This project works on the same mantra that Oyelola does: small wins come from trial and tribulation, not perfection. Letting go of an end goal to pursue authenticity creates a deeper meaning within the process.
This Philosophy has birthed Oyelola’s monumental achievements; one being his partnership with Austin Community College where the artist was presented a grant for Open Chair, which ACC will highlight during a National Day of Healing. Another is his collaboration with The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, dedicated to African-American historical preservation, where he has prepared a project called The African American Presence in Central Texas, which relies on the ominous power of shadows. This project will be open to the public in early February 2020.
An artist combines inspiration and aspiration to express their art form. It’s easy to overthink. Oyelola articulated that abiding by one’s authentic self can lead to many possibilities, whether it be manifesting an opportunity or simply meeting a new friend. A manifestation of authenticity can take you on a spellbinding, emotional journey. More important than that, creating a finished project means discovering your roots, being comfortable being uncomfortable, and showing up. He advocates owning your space and believes a story to be told with a deeper meaning is more challenging to the soul than a pretty picture.
You can see Oyelola’s abstract dream world through his photography. Photos of travel, art, places and imagination that have inspired him with keeping a very introspective vision. Ominous play with a conceptual scheme of shadows, served with intention, is how I would describe his photography. What he creates is a deep and kindred spirit to voice the platform for the minority in our own community that currently lacks. He wants the diversity of art to be thought provoking and one that speaks to the political and social stand of what he believes we are lacking as a society.
What drew me in was his genuine vulnerability and peak of curiosity that felt relatable. A Simple act of questioning something, anything that leads to creation, and just by gaining knowledge from that subject alone. With the magic comes the struggle, the struggle to create, the passion that comes within the pain of being misunderstood by peers and at times family.
There is so much that is behind the scenes that contributes to the final masterpiece. Oyelola’s roots, interests, and struggles has led him to the evolution of whom he has become.
Oyelola is from Nigeria, more specifically from Abeokuta. Abeokuta, meaning under the rocks, tells a story of his ancestors at time of war taking refuge underneath these specific rocks. The town itself is very artsy, its known for textile and indigo dyes, known as Adrae.
He spoke of his story of growing up and becoming more connected to his culture and origin along the way, and even stated that there were meanings behind the clothes in which were made in his culture that contained specific colors and patterns of the dyes. He saw the beauty in the many layers and felt empowerment with true cultural representation. Moving to the states at an early age, not fitting in with his peers by his image alone, and leading with curiosity empowered Oyelola to tell his story and give that helping hand to others who can relate.
Some of Oyelola’s most profound mantras state, “You don't have to be from another country to be misunderstood; yet, rather lead with your why;” “To appreciate and know one’s self is to take a risk and to challenge yourself;” “To put yourself in an uncomfortable situation is to dive into what is and who you are doing it for is the ultimate challenge for one’s self.”
Art is an escape from reality. It is a form to live out your imagination and express it to the world. It’s a divine sense of freedom that you can create to be able to portray this vivid dream while mixing the two worlds. A way to break the mold and have sensuality without using any words. A renaissance of fantasy that is swayed with emotion and intensity of spiritual creation. A roller coaster of the unknown, you take a chance on yourself only to foresee the outcome of your success. It’s challenging but worth the process because it’s all or nothing for you. What is life without this eloquent journey is definitely a question to ask yourself. A movement that chooses to reign from the society within. It doesn't take much but to be sound, to listen and be a part of the community wholeheartedly. Oyelola encourages all to come together and creates unity through his creative energy and his legacy will continue to live on!