Favour Abimbola’s Artistic Leap at “5 Artists 1 Love”

---

Favour Abimbola exhibited her art at the 5 Artists 1 Love annual exhibition on Feb. 22 at the Art Gallery of Alberta, displaying pieces that reflected her journey.

“I thought about composition” and what story I wanted to tell, Abimbola said.

5 Artists 1 Love is an annual art exhibition that takes place in February at the Art Gallery of Alberta displaying art pieces by black artists.

Abimbola submitted 10 pieces, trusting the curators to identify the works that best reflects her narrative. 

“I wanted people to connect it to a story and that is what I think I did,” Abimbola said.

As a young artist, this was her first exhibition at the Art Gallery of Alberta, and the experience left her feeling uplifted.

“I was surrounded with so much love,” she says. “It was touching to feel that support.”

Art has been a part of Abimbola’s life for as long as she can remember. “I remember drawing in my church sketchbook growing up,” Abimbola said.  

It was a habit that laid the foundation for her creative journey. However, the defining moment came during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I found it as an escape from reality,” Abimbola says. “It helped me express myself in such a creative way when social interaction was at a minimum.”

The period of isolation allowed her to express herself and art was a good way to do that.

Abimbola’s preferred medium is Conté art, where she uses a contrast of black with white chalk to draw viewers in. “The contrast makes you want to take a second look,” she said.

She also enjoys working with oil pastels embracing the imperfections, “Oil pastels are not meant to show perfection,” Abimbola says. 

Highlighting how the rawness of the medium complements the artistic vision.

“My life inspires my art” Abimbola says. The emotional connection people feel towards my work is really a connection to me.”

For Abimbola, Edmonton has become more than just a city – it’s her home. 

Having immigrated from Nigeria eight years ago, she has found a nurturing environment that fosters creativity and lifts young artists.

“Edmonton does an amazing job fostering new growth and pouring love and opportunities into its youth,” she says. 

“One of my dreams is to see my art displayed on the streets and buildings of the city I call home.”

Abimbola’s advice to aspiring artists is simple but powerful, “don’t stop.”

As you grow up more obstacles come into play and you might feel the need to take a break or push art to the side, but that is when you should keep going, Abimbola says.

“It’s your ability to keep going even on a rough day,” Abimbola said.

With her unwavering passion and dedication, Favour Abimbola is well on her way to leaving a lasting mark on Edmonton’s art scene.