Kolade Adekunle Oshinowo was born in Ibadan in 1948 and is from Ikorodu, Lagos state. He graduated with a 2nd Class Honors (Upper Division) degree in Fine Art with a specialization in Painting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1972. Oshinowo is one of the leading figures of the famous Yaba School of Art, known in narratives of modern Nigerian art for its strong figurative style. After a brief period teaching Art at King’s College, Lagos from 1972-1974, he served in various administrative and teaching capacities at Yaba College of Technology. In 1986, he was appointed head of the department of Fine Art and in 1990, director, School of Art, Design and Printing. Oshinowo was also deputy rector of the same institution from 1992 to 1996. From 1975-1980, he served as national secretary of the Society of Nigerian Artists. In 2005, he was elected president, a position he held till 2008. Kolade Oshinowo is one Nigeria’s best-known and versatile artists. His broad oeuvre covers themes such as market scenes, traditional Nigerian dances, musicians, landscapes and the beauty and plight of the African woman. He is also an accomplished portraitist. His canvases are united by their moods and rich and varied textures, built up thickly with brush, palette knife and sometimes fingers. Some of his major work includes portraits of the Oba of Benin (Omo N’Oba Erediauwa II), Chief S.L. Edu, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa. The four portraits featured here are some of the finest examples of his characteristic style. Oshinowo has participated in several international exhibitions from 1972 till date. He has held 22 solo and participated in over 90 group exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad. He has won numerous awards and prizes including; the National Productivity Order of Merit Award (2004); Award of Excellence by Yaba College of Technology for distinguished service as deputy-rector (1996); and 50th Anniversary Five Star Award for excellence and meritorious service to Yaba College of Technology (1998).