Colors of life

Nigerian artist tells students art can be a source of strength

As a youngster, Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao learned that he had choices in life -- to be sad and disappointed or joyful and content. He chose the latter.

His mother, Grace, a tailor, relayed this message to her children through her work. "She always used the needle as an example for us to follow. She would say, instead of destroying things, try to mend them, sew them together like the needle ... that whatever thread goes through us, be it dark or golden, can be used to sew a better pattern that brings out the beauty of life."

The American quilt is a good metaphor, Alao explained. "It is a colorful display of joy. Sometimes we lack some color in life, but at the end of the day, it's the entire quilt that matters."

Alao shared these life lessons and his wildly colorful artwork with local students at the Academy of the Pacific, Assets, Hoala School, Maui Preparatory Academy and Our Savior Lutheran School at the end of November. Now he has returned to work with more schools and community groups during the next few weeks.

Alao, winner of a United Nations International Art Competition that involved 61 countries, travels as ambassador of art for Nigeria. He spent the last year based in Omaha, Neb., visiting different states. He plans to be in Europe later this year.

He hopes people will gain insight from his hands-on workshops, his stories and his work, which often reflects universal beliefs. Some figures in his paintings are transparent, for example, signifying shared values. "We all have different skin colors and speak different languages, but we all want the same things," he said.

His father taught him that much can be learned without words, Alao said. "My father, Bamisaiye, was a quiet and shy man. I learned from him that sweetness in life is made up of silent voices and an ability to listen to what has not been said by people. Usually, it is what is most important to them that they are not talking about."

"Extremely taciturn" are the words Alao chose to describe himself as a child. To break away from the shyness, he found art as a means of expression. "Art became my source of strength. You can do with art what you cannot obtain in real life."

"The students were taken with him and responded incredibly," said Mollie Sperry, head of school at the Academy of the Pacific. "He is a man able to really convey a message through his artwork. He is inspiring, making a difference ... trying to make the world a better place.

"The artwork struck a chord, also. They wanted to know more and asked lots of questions."

The students received the same presentation as scholars at Harvard, Alao said. "I give the same presentation in all establishments, be it a college, high school, elementary school, a group of diplomats, a prison, church or a group of friends. Sometimes, I vary the use of vocabulary to fit the age group, but the content remains the same."

He enjoys working with schoolchildren. "I enjoy the purity of their expression -- they are never afraid to express themselves. The students are encouraged to express their own stories that help them to understand diversity, harmony and courage."

One of his main messages: Keep smiling. "We don't realize how much a smile can do," he said.

"All men and women are exposed to a melancholy of a smoldering temper in their lifetime. The only problem is to convert this temper into something interesting, into bliss. It is all about transforming irritations in our lives into pearls."

Of course, life cannot be all bliss. Alao acknowledges this through the many zigzag patterns in his artwork. "The patterns represent the ocean waves, the heartbeat of life," he said. "Life is filled with ups and downs, whether we are rich or poor, happy or sad. It is what makes things interesting."

And, when he is missing Nigeria -- the climate, family or friends -- he uses more color in his paintings to brighten his day.

"Essentially, home becomes wherever you are, and if we view life as a marketplace, someday we will all return home. True wisdom is possessed by a woman or a man to whom the entire world is a strange land," he said.

Alao considers heaven his true home and incorporates a vision of paradise in his pieces. He uses lots of color to "show that there is harmony in diversity," but to acknowledge the foundations of his childhood, his work retains an African influence.

"The greatness he expressed was reflected in his art," said Tina Markel, the fine-arts teacher at Hoala School. "He explains his art with a full depth of meaning and emotional power. His art shows both the inner spirit and the outer world. Every day, the kids are asking if he is coming back."

The Hoala students learned some valuable lessons. "We learned to take our time. You don't need to rush," said second-grader Zoie Bactista.

Sixth-grader Isabella Hashimoto spoke of diversity and not taking things for granted. "Life is colorful. In our paintings the sky could be any different design," she said. "Take advantage of what you see, because you may not see it again."

Alao hopes that his art inspires joy. "I also hope that through it, great misfortunes in our lives can be turned into great successes. We can take a sad song, poem, picture or action and make it happy by the way we arrange it into the quilt of our lives," Alao said.

"If the children grow up to be kind and value redemption and grace above revenge, I would consider my presentation a success."

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