"Túnráyò," named after my mother, Mrs. Motunrayo Adeleke, and inspired by the shape of her face, is a visual ode to the grandeur of Yoruba opulence. It reimagines this cultural richness through the lens of Art Deco sophistication and the essence of old-money Nigerian wealth aesthetics.

My mother’s father, my grandfather, was a very wealthy businessman in his time. Back in the early 1950s, he was the first and only man to own a fleet of Bedford trucks in Ile-Ife. He built a remarkable legacy, owning numerous local businesses and properties, and enjoyed an incredible run of success. However, his story took a dramatic turn when his origins from Ogbomosho—and his marriage into a prominent Ife royal family—drew envy and opposition from some locals. My grandfather was unapologetically ostentatious, wearing his wealth boldly and displaying it without restraint. This audacious lifestyle, however, seemed to fuel resentment among his contemporaries. The tale, as it was told to me, is that his competing business interests banded together, seized most of his properties, and eventually drove him out of town.

This artwork seeks to encapsulate what Yoruba affluence might look like. I imagine this is the type of luxurious and ostentatious piece my grandfather would have proudly hung on his walls—a statement of wealth that immediately commanded attention and respect. With at least fifty shades of gold layered into this painting, its creation took nearly a year to complete. The frame, crafted from solid hardwood and inscribed with real gold Nsibidi symbols, is almost as valuable as the painting itself.

Nigerians are known for their bold and ostentatious displays of wealth, and this piece was designed for those who, like my grandfather, wear their wealth unapologetically. The bold, geometric patterns pay homage to the Art Deco movement, celebrated for its sleek luxury and meticulous design, while the lavish gold accents and deep emerald greens evoke the richness of Nigerian heritage and natural abundance. Every detail—from the layered gold textures to the harmonious green palette—captures the aura of generational wealth and cultural pride, creating a piece that is as timeless as it is striking.

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