Brandon Artist Opeyemi Olukotun Wins $20,000 in National Art Competition

A Brandon-based artist, Opeyemi Olukotun, has achieved significant recognition by winning a $20,000 prize after placing third in the Art Comp People’s Choice Awards. This prestigious Canadian art competition took place on October 13, 2023, in London, Ontario, showcasing the talents of artists from across the country.

Olukotun, who emigrated from Nigeria to Brandon in 2022, joined fellow artists Rebecca Clouâtre from Ottawa and Juliana Saavedra Patiño from London, who won the first and second prizes, respectively. Clouâtre received a top award of $50,000, while Saavedra Patiño took home $30,000. The competition featured a total prize pool of $100,000 for the People’s Choice category, while the overall panellists’ top award of $100,000 went to London-based artist Craig Guthrie.

Reflecting on the competition, Olukotun expressed that the recognition is more meaningful than just the monetary prize. “It means a lot, because I think it’s another way for visibility in my practice,” he stated. He emphasized that the award serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication, reinforcing that his artistic journey is resonating with audiences.

His entry into the Art Comp was somewhat serendipitous. “I literally searched ‘art competitions in Canada’ and the Art Comp popped up,” Olukotun recalled. With the deadline looming, he submitted one of his completed works and was later notified of his selection as one of the top 100 finalists for the exhibition.

When he arrived in London, he initially aimed to network rather than focus on winning. To his surprise, he was announced as one of the top three finalists in the People’s Choice category. “I was extremely excited. It was a validation of my journey so far,” he said.

Olukotun’s current projects delve into themes of “belonging and becoming,” intertwining his Nigerian roots with his experiences adapting to life in Canada. “Right now, it’s about digging deeper and creating works that tell the stories of my new home and identity,” he explained. He sees this award as a stepping stone in his career, encouraging him to continue producing meaningful art.

While he plans to participate in more competitions, Olukotun is primarily focused on developing a robust body of work that reflects his personal narrative. “Competitions are good, but for me, the real goal is building a strong body of work that speaks to where I’ve been and where I am now,” he noted.

His artistic journey began in Nigeria, where he transitioned from a teaching career in Abuja to pursue painting full-time. He later moved to Lagos to join the Universal Studios of Art, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of renowned Nigerian artists such as Abiodun Olaku and Bunmi Babatunde. Olukotun described his early struggles as foundational, stating, “Being in that environment inspired me to push forward.”

Upon relocating to Canada, Olukotun secured representation from Out of Africa Gallery in Barcelona, Spain, shortly after his arrival. He was thrilled to find that nearly 90 percent of his works sold before he had even settled in. This early success provided him with both financial stability and the confidence to concentrate fully on his artistic practice.

The recognition garnered from the Art Comp not only validates Olukotun’s efforts but also propels him further along his artistic path in North America. He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him through votes and encouragement, viewing this achievement as a pivotal moment in his career. Olukotun’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of community support in the arts.