Fetunde
TRADITIONAL YORUBA WOOD CARVING
Michael Oladipo Oludare
About
Every Moment is a Memory
"Voice of the Village"
Yoruba traditional Wood Carver, dancer, visual artist, and painter was born and originated from western Nigeria. He came to live in the United States in 2009. He works as a resident Wood Carver and Artist at The Essex Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He derived the name "Voice of the Village" from his role in the Yoruba community as one who truly speaks and communicates through the "talking drum".
He has played all over the U.S. for various universities including: The Junior Black Academy, University of Dallas and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, as well as, for cultural centers, Sandusky NAAP and the Allen Memorial Art Museum.
About
My name is Michael Oladipo Oludare and I come from the western part of Nigeria in Africa. My reflects my social standing in the community of my homeland. I come from a Yoruba village which is full of art and culture. It is this culture and the religion of Yoruba people which is always reflected in my art. My work is based on the mythological stories of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
Sometimes when I am sleeping, I remember the stories my grandfather told me before he died. I often translate these stories into Sclputures, Paintings and I want the people all over the world to share those experiences with me. Most of my art touches the heart of the buyer; they don't understand they have the same experiences here in the African Diaspora, as where I come from. Through my art my village of Western Nigeria is able to the touch the heart of all.