About the Artist
Full name: Okulaja Adetomiwa Tolulope Artist name: GmcArt
Okulaja Adetomiwa Tolulope also Known as GmcArt is a Nigerian visual artist whose work explores the beauty of human emotions, identity, and everyday stories. Born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, his passion for art began in childhood, when drawing became both a form of play and a silent language. What started with simple sketches has grown into a disciplined practice, where his art serves as a mirror of life and a tool for meaningful storytelling.
Working primarily with graphite and charcoal pencils, Adetomiwa specializes in realistic portraiture. His works are known for their intricate details and expressive tones, capturing subjects with striking depth and sensitivity. His inspiration often comes from observing people, especially children, whose innocence and unspoken emotions inspire him to translate feelings into visual form. For Adetomiwa, art is not just a skill but his truest form of communication, a way of speaking to the world without words.
Despite pursuing a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Adetomiwa never drifted from his creative calling. Instead, his technical background sharpened his discipline and precision, qualities that reflect strongly in his art. Over the years, his work has gained recognition, including being named Creative of the Year at the University of Ibadan, exhibiting at Lenox Mall in Lagos, and becoming a finalist in the Draw for Change competition.
Adetomiwa’s vision is to expand the reach of his art beyond borders, gaining visibility both within and outside Nigeria. He hopes to connect with international audiences through exhibitions, foreign collaborations, and global sales while continuing to inspire his community. Through his practice, he seeks to foster empathy, spark dialogue, and preserve stories that might otherwise be overlooked. Ultimately, he aspires to establish himself as one of the leading visual artists of his generation.
Artist statement: My vision as an artist is to create works that go beyond aesthetics to become vessels of emotion, memory, and meaning. Through the medium of graphite and charcoal, I seek to capture the unspoken, those quiet expressions, fleeting moments, and inner truths that words often fail to convey.
