TechneArt Community Artist Spotlight: Oluwatobi Adou (tobacco)
Artist spotlight:
Spirituality, masculinity, and grace live within Oluwatobi Adou (tobacco), he is our favorite dancer and a man on fire. He is our most loyal community member, whom consistently posts original performances with his dance group. Oluwatobi Adou is a choreographer, and cinematographer in Lagos, Nigeria. He teaches youth to dance and to edit video’s. Teaching us all to be relentless in our gifts and share them with others. He is brave and kind and eats fire for breakfast. His movements and content fill our community with the warmth of his artistic passions.
He recently received a scholarship at Pefti Filming Institute for one year. He deserves every advantage coming his way. Tobacco, defines what art in everyday life looks like. His imagery and videography display a sophisticated sense of design and understanding of fine art. He captures images of himself and his dance group Slum Party and presents them in mesmerizing surrealistic viewpoints with contortions and fire breathing. His capture of the human form is exquisite.
On many a day, I’ve wondered, throughout this year, why I continue with this community. Why, return from my full-time work and add more work to my day. Then Oluwatobi posted his first video. I was awestruck and humbled instantaneously.
. I love his artworks, and appreciate his dedication to his craft and community. I admire his fearless energy that ignites the lens.
Breakdown of the image above:
Two men appear standing together in an open and curated space. The figures stand in front of a light colored backdrop. One male figure appears with a direct facing stance at the viewer. The expressions on the males figures are far from antagonistic. However, the intertwining of the two male figures in the black and white image create a sense of discomfort. The male’s figures embrace but I question, are they in peace or opposition?
The male bodies appear to melt and lean together creating a T-shape. Highlights radiate off the dark tones bodies’ and the T-shape intertwined connections brings to mind Christ on the cross. Embrace and surrender are what I take from this image. As sacrifice is the only way to succeed.
The hands are relaxed in both figures and the traditional Rembrandt triangle is replaced by the background figure. The figures’ body appears in the background, but his head tilts slightly toward the camera. As if the figure is being pulled or summoned forward. His head may be resting or may be near the frontal figure. The interaction between the two figures connects them together in a seamless way. They are separate yet the deep shadows make them feel as one. Both figures’ facial features appear to be in deep contemplation.
Both figures are dressed in modern garb, wearing black pants. The frontal-facing figure is also adorned with a dark belt with a square metal belt buckle. Two bear feet are presented near the knees’ of the frontal facing figure. Their bodies illuminate strong muscles and highlight the male physic. One males hair appears styled in either in locks or twists while the other has a shorter and crisp line up. This image is an example of art in everyday life. I wish much success to this group of dancers and validation from peers, and leaders of the international art community.
May we all follow in Oluwatabi’s footsteps and share what we love. I do not imagine it is easy for these artists. It’s understandable that Oluwatobi, like many artists, requires funding and social support to further pursue his dreams and artistic endeavors. This kind of support can be crucial in helping him reach his full potential and expand his impact within the artistic community.
You may reach him directly at 0-913-730-5818 or connect with him on Intagram at the following link: (tobacco).
Check out Slum Party on Youtube below. Like and Subscribe!
Get Dirty and Stay Creative!
