Moyo Ogundipe, born in Nigeria in 1948, was a contemporary painter and art teacher who fled the country's military dictatorship in the 1980s. After obtaining a B.A. in Fine Art and Education from the University of Ife, Nigeria, he earned an M.A. in Studio Art from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Settling in Denver in 2002, he taught at the University of Colorado. Despite his relocation, Ogundipe's art remained rooted in his Yoruba heritage, blending Western techniques with African influences i.e He painted in the rich tradition of the Yoruba culture of Nigeria, but used Western materials such as acrylic and oil. His work was showcased in Nigerian and U.S. museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.
In this captivating art piece, a vibrant explosion of colors takes center stage. Various hues, including shades of red, green, blue, purple, and pink, create a visually dynamic composition. The interplay of these colors forms a striking textural pattern. This artwork draws inspiration from the intricate patterns often seen on Yoruba textiles. This distinct textural style is a recurring motif in the body of work created by the artist, Moyo. The explosion of colors symbolizes Moyo's desire to convey a sense of joy, cultural pride, or a dynamic, ever-changing world. The use of Yoruba textile patterns demonstrates a deliberate technique to connect with cultural heritage.