Akinola Lasekan is widely acknowledged as a pioneer of modern Nigerian art. He was born into the Oladetimi family in Owo, Ondo State in 1916. Lasekans formative years were colored by his experience of British colonial rule. Sensitive and astute, he was very aware of the political system’s failings. He sympathised with the emerging Nationalist movement and their call for political independence.When he came to oil painting later in his career, he approached his subjects with a cartoonist’s eye. His market scenes, landscapes and portraits are characterised by their keen observation and attention to detail.
