Main sculptor and environmental artist, Dotun Popoola, just lately delivered a sculptural piece, a lion, commissioned by Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Kusenla III of Ikate Kingdom.
The occasion, which happened on the Oba Palace in Lekki, Lagos, attracted a lot of dignitaries and was attended by the media.
Talking concerning the piece, Popoola mentioned: “On August 14, 2021, I delivered a sculpture to a consumer within the presence of ten buddies. Unbeknownst to me, Mr. Aluko had deliberate a mini exhibition. Throughout the occasion he confirmed curiosity in my work. He had admired the statue I made for his good friend and requested me to make two bigger lions for his palace.
Returning to his studio, he went to work after researching the historical past of the dominion via the compendium supplied by the king, deciphering the story of the dominion via the canvas of a lion. To additional guarantee historic accuracy, he additionally consulted 'The Evolution of Ikate Kingdom', a e-book authored by Prof. Habeeb Sanni, Dr. Bashir Animashaun and Dr. Olawale Lawal.
“I gathered from the e-book that the power and braveness of Ikate Kingdom are symbolized by the lion, regardless of totally different mythological descriptions. The dominion proudly declares: 'A ti de ade kinihun', which implies 'we’re enthroned with the lion's crown,' he mentioned.
“The wave of urbanization in Lagos State is mirrored within the emergence of a number of thriving cities within the Ikate Kingdom and the Elegushi is laying agency royal and ruling declare to the financial growth of Ikate-Elegushi. And this monarchical declare is in no way a legendary logic, however one with a strong historic foundation.
“As an artist, I created the lion sculpture with the size: 4 meters lengthy, 2.5 meters excessive and 1.20 meters broad and 300 kg in weight, to embody historical past, tradition, royalty, magnificence, luxurious and sustainability. It’s made with scrap steel, delicate metal, aluminum, bronze, automotive elements and automotive pigments. It took me greater than two years to finish the work,” he revealed.
“Whereas receiving the fee, I made it clear to him that it could take me two to 3 years to ship one of the best of the artwork, to which he agreed, saying, 'I don't thoughts the time it takes. I’m a lover of high quality artwork. I don't simply acquire one thing as a result of it's a murals.' And from the start of the piece to the time it was delivered, I used to be in fixed contact with the King concerning the progress of the work, and that helped to please the King's anticipation and a focus to the supply time.
“He commissioned me to ship two items of lion sculptures. The primary displays his fierce, daring persona, whereas the second will probably be a seated lion and displays his calm, regal look. The work is peppered with icons, symbols, shapes and colours. I'm so completely happy that ultimately he was pleased with what I produced.
Popoola described the work as symbolic, including: “If there’s any ornament on the throne of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, it could not be an insignia of a leopard, tiger or cheetah, however that of a lion. So if the ability of the present king is to be traditionally documented, it should be related to a narrative a couple of lion. His fierce and decisive persona and temperament ought to type the core of the story. On another African thrones their tales are encapsulated in different elements of animals.”
What was responsible for Oba Elegushi's selection of lion?
Popoola mentioned: “I additionally requested him an identical query. He linked it to the way in which he thinks and makes selections, identical to a lion. And in African mythology, lion, for African thrones, symbolizes power, braveness, good communication abilities and willingness to battle within the larger plans.
“This revelation inspired me to do extra analysis into Ikate's historical past by studying some books. I found the historical past of the dominion. The primary Kusenla reigned in 1632. After him, twenty different kings adopted who weren’t topped. They had been the leaders of the white hats. The daddy of the present Oba, Yekini Elegushi, insisted on discovering out that Elegushi's throne was superior in Lagos. So the Ikate-Elegushi kingdom took the result in revolutionize the industrialization and concrete planning of Lagos and that earned the dominion a royal place, the power and character of a lion.
Popoola mentioned: “On the precise aspect of the piece are the 21 white-capped chiefs and his father, whereas on the left aspect is his 100kg bronze carved portrait and a few of his ancestors hidden within the lion. We even have a sculpted picture of Eyo Adimu within the piece. This wants a better look to see the Eyo appearing on his behalf and calling on the gods to information him via his reign.
“The piece was correctly completed with anti-rust, clear coat and topped with ultraviolet (UV) safety. These precautions have been taken as a result of I do know that the realm is near the ocean and that there’s acid rain and salt water. The work is thus protected against the vagaries of the local weather related to the ecosystems. It’s shiny and sealed to stop annual upkeep, and might stay that method for the subsequent two to 3 years.”
Concerning the dominant yellow colour of the art work, Popoola explains: “It’s because most African lions have a golden yellow colour on their our bodies. So it’s a motion in the direction of naturalism. Though some recycled or waste supplies used to finish the method had been rigorously chosen from yellow elements of the scrap heap, some steel items had been hidden with golden yellow to present them the pure really feel of a lion. So the sculpture embodies scrap steel with a luxurious and that is the impression I create in folks's minds with my work.”
Whereas receiving the piece, Oba Elegushi, who turned 47 final April, mentioned: “Popoola's creative prowess is plain, and I need to categorical my admiration for the beautiful masterpiece that has emerged from his gifted fingers.”
He additionally spoke about how his aspect with the artist intersected. “I first got here into contact with Dotun's exceptional expertise via my late brother, Dr. Olaolu Mudashiru, and was captivated by the majestic lion that graced his balcony on Banana Island. His dedication to his craft is really commendable, and I’ve watched with nice fascination his unwavering dedication, ingenuity and meticulous consideration to element.
