Kip Omolade’s mind blowing Diovadiova Chrome oil paintings is intended to connect to ancient, realistic African sculptures such as Benin ivory masks and Ife bronze heads.
The Benin ivory mask is a miniature sculptural portrait in ivory of the powerful Queen MotherIdia of the 16th century Benin Empire, taking the form of an African traditional mask. On the other hand, the ancient town of Ife is the ritual and artistic center of the great Yoruba tribe of western Nigeria similar to that of the Benin kingdom. The Ife head is believed to represent an Ooni which means “king”. Such sculptures were very unique to African art.
“Diovadiova Chrome oil paintings are psychological studies that investigate immortality, the universal masks we all wear and contemporary notions of beauty and luxury” Kip stated.
His work has been exhibited at Opera Gallery, Jonathan LeVine Projects, Joseph Gross Gallery and Art Basel Miami. Good Morning America, Huffington Post, Juxtapoz and Hi-Fructose have also featured his work. Special projects include ESPN, Red Bull and Nike, 2 Chainz/The Versace Mansion and Fantasia Barrino/Sony Music.
Born in Harlem, NY Kip Omolade began his art career as a graffiti artist while interning at Marvel Comics and The Center for African Art. He continued his studies at The Art Students League of New York and earned a BFA at the School of Visual Arts.
Kip Omolade’s work is in the permanent collections of Viacom and Hallmark Cards. His work is available directly from the artist
He makes a mold and cast of the model’s face by placing the mold over the face. Reworking the cast plaster sculpture
Producing a version in resin. And adding a chrome layer with artificial eyelashes.
Then the final scuplture served as a model for the hyper-realistic oil painting. This technique maintains the likeness qualities of portraiture while re-presenting a mask that serves as a conduit between the spiritual and natural world.
