The artwork “The Light We Share” by Ololade Oletubo, a mixed-media artist, was showcased at Art Place Lagos, Nigeria, April 15th-21st 2024 as part of a Group exhibition. But what really stands out about this piece is the way it brings people together. It shows two figures sitting across from each other, with a glowing lantern between them. This simple, yet powerful image explores some big themes – like hope, friendship, and the human need for connection, especially when things seem dark and uncertain. The way the lantern lights up the space between them is like a symbol of the light we all share, and how it can bring us closer together. It’s a really intimate and thought-provoking arrangement, and it makes you think about how important it is to have someone to share the tough times with.

The two people in the picture are focused on a lantern. One of them is holding it carefully with both hands, while the other is leaning in, with their hands up near their face. You can tell they’re really concentrating and feeling deeply about something. The lantern is more than just a light source – it’s like a symbol of something special they share. It could mean hope, or faith, or love – 2something that gives them the strength to deal with the darkness around them. Maybe it’s a reminder of something important, or a way to connect with each other on a deeper level. Whatever it is, it’s clear that the lantern is meaningful to both of them, and they’re both fully engaged with it.

The title “The Light We Share” is really important because it changes how we think about the artwork. Instead of just being about one person’s experience, it’s about how people connect with each other. The light isn’t just something one person has – it’s something that happens between people. And that’s what makes it special. It shows us that we often find strength in our relationships and in supporting each other. When things get tough, having someone by your side can make all the difference. It can give you the courage and direction you need to keep going.

The painting shows two people being there for each other when things get tough. They’re in a quiet, private space where they don’t need to talk to understand each other. The way they’re sitting and the gestures they’re making suggest a deep connection – maybe emotional, maybe spiritual. The lantern is like a secret language between them, linking their experiences together. This artwork is saying that sometimes the most important ways we communicate are by just being there for each other, feeling what the other person is feeling, and sharing what we’ve been through.

The way the artist uses blue and black in this piece really sets the tone. The dark blues make you feel calm, sad, and like you’re reflecting on something, while the black parts make you sense that there’s darkness and uncertainty lurking. But then, the white around the lantern pops out and seems even brighter and more powerful because of the darker colors around it. This contrast makes the light in the center really stand out and drives home the point that hope is most powerful when things are tough. The way the artist draws lines is also really important. The people, clothes, and background are all made up of lots of overlapping lines that show a lot of feeling. These lines make it feel like there’s movement and intensity in the scene. Instead of making it look super realistic, the artist leaves in the marks from the creative process, which gives the piece a raw, emotional feel. It’s like the feelings being shown are complicated and really personal.

The lantern in the picture is really special – it’s not just a simple object that gives off light, but it also has a lot of meaning behind it. The way it’s decorated with intricate patterns shows that it’s connected to the culture and spirituality of the people in the scene. Even though it’s something you can use every day, it also represents guidance and hope. What’s interesting is that it’s placed between the two people, which suggests that light isn’t just something one person can give to another – it’s something that can be created and kept alive when people share experiences together. You can also look at this picture as a way of thinking about how people deal with their own struggles and how they can work together to be stronger. Each person in the picture is experiencing the light in their own way, but they’re both drawn to it, which shows that even when people are going through tough times, they don’t have to do it alone. Having someone by your side can make the tough times more bearable. So, in a way, the picture is saying that having friends or people you care about can be a kind of light that helps you through the dark times.

The way the figures are arranged in a circle really makes you feel like you’re part of a special moment. It’s like they’re in their own little world, and the lantern is the heart of it all. The circle shape makes me think of things like unity and togetherness. It’s like they’re separated from everything else, and that makes the scene feel really intimate and private. The lantern is what draws your eye in, and it’s what makes the whole thing feel emotional. One of the things that makes this artwork so great is how all the different parts work together to create a single, powerful message. The colours, the lines, the way the light and dark play off each other – it all comes together to make something that’s really visually striking, but also really quiet and thoughtful. It’s not about action or drama; it’s about capturing a moment that feels meaningful and special, just between these two people.

The picture can be hard to look at because there are so many lines and dark colors. This makes it tough to see some of the details, as the figures and background start to blend together. But in a way, this complexity is fitting. Our feelings and personal struggles are often messy and unclear. The many layers of marks in the picture may be a good way to show the confusion, uncertainty, and strong emotions that come with tough experiences. It’s like the image is saying that life can be overwhelming and hard to understand, and that’s okay. Sometimes, things are just comp8licated.
“Sharing the Light” is a thought-provoking piece that shows us the impact of hope and how people connect with each other. It’s not just about the light we see, but also about the light that comes from the bonds we form with others, from being kind and understanding, and from sharing our lives. The two people in the artwork are connected by the lantern, which becomes a powerful symbol of what happens when we support each other and share our hopes and struggles.

Ololade Oletubo’s artwork is really interesting because it’s all about how people connect with each other, and how we can find hope and think deeply about life. The way the artist mixes different materials and uses dark blue colours, energetic lines, and symbols like lanterns, shows how light can bring people together. The artwork reminds us that even when things seem dark, having someone by our side can give us hope. It’s saying that we don’t have to go through tough times alone, and that the light that helps us through can come from the people around us, not just from within ourselves. This message is powerful because it shows how strong we can be when we’re connected to others, and how we can get through anything as long as we have each other.

Okechukwu Uwaezuoke