Tayo Quaye

Presentation

Tayo Quaye, born in 1954 in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a renowned Nigerian artist whose journey in printmaking and visual art is marked by both a dedication to technical mastery and a profound social commentary. Quaye's formal art education began at St. Gregory’s College in Obalende, where he met the eminent Nigerian printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya, an encounter that shaped his early career and artistic vision. From 1974 to 1976, he trained as a studio assistant and apprentice printmaker in Onobrakpeya’s Ovuoma-roro studio, immersing himself in the printmaking craft under a master of the medium. This foundation led Quaye to pursue further education, earning an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Painting from the prestigious Yaba College of Technology in 1981. It was during this formative period that he encountered Yusuf Grillo, another influential Nigerian artist, from whom he learned how to enhance his prints using bold lines, refined stylization, and minimalistic form, skills that became hallmarks of his work. Throughout the early 1980s, Quaye embarked on an artistic journey across the United States, where he exhibited his work and conducted workshops at universities and galleries in states like Arizona, Arkansas, and Washington. These experiences allowed him to expand his artistic perspectives and connect with a broader, international audience, enriching his style and vision. Quaye’s initial works reflect the teachings and influence of his mentors, particularly the techniques he honed while working under Onobrakpeya. However, he soon evolved his own distinct voice, venturing beyond these initial influences by experimenting with large-scale plastocasts—a technique pioneered by Onobrakpeya. His plastocasts are renowned for their metaphorical approach to everyday Nigerian life, often embedding a sharp critique of Nigeria’s complex political landscape. Amidst the longstanding military regimes that defined Nigerian politics, openly criticizing the government was fraught with risk, so Quaye, like many Nigerian artists, used layered symbolism and subtle allusions to voice his dissent. He has become a master of these allegorical techniques, weaving political and social commentary into his works in ways that resonate deeply with Nigerian audiences, who are attuned to the cultural and symbolic language that underpins much of the country's contemporary art. Quaye’s artistic achievements have led to numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in Nigeria and internationally, bringing his unique style and message to a global stage. His work is held in several esteemed collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., solidifying his legacy as an influential figure in modern African art. Through his art, Tayo Quaye continues to be a significant voice in the landscape of Nigerian printmaking, blending technical skill with potent societal insights, and influencing a new generation of artists.