A conversation with Eunice Olumide

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Eunice Olumide, has had a long career in the arts. A model, fashion designer and actress, she is now trying her hand in the art world with the launch of O Gallery in London.

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We asked her several questions on why she launched O Gallery and its ethos.

Why did you decide to delve into the art world?

I actually got into art through the fashion industry.  I have had the opportunity to work for some of the most talented designers and visionaries of our time such as Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.  While working, I met several artists who seemed to be inspired by my energy or personality and look.  I got to know many of them and we became great friends.  It seemed that my ethos on social, economic and environmental issues seemed to connect with their ideas; and it was in fact the artist themselves who nominated me to set up and run the gallery.

Their confidence and their belief in me was such a beautiful thing that I thought “Yes, I am going to do this”.

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What is the ethos of your gallery?

To represent and support some of the most talented modern artists of our time. Furthermore, to promote art that reflects the modern world that we live in today; since there are so many trying issues that we must negotiate effectively and imminently.

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Is there a theme that unites the artists you represent/work with?

We believe in creating art which causes people to think about the reality of our situation as one race; the human race.

With myriad galleries and art fairs around the world, how does a gallery remain both relevant and commercially viable?

We have taken the time to build a completely inimitable team of creatives.  Our specialists provide full in-house consultancy to ensure that our clients choose the best pieces that will suit any occasion and works that have the ability to appreciate over time.

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Contemporary art nowadays is a great proponent of conceptual art. Do you think this will continue or do you think there will be a return to appreciating artworks crafted with skill?

The world that we live in today seems even more uncertain in terms of our respect for one another, our different belief, values and cultural systems.  Contemporary art can actually act as a vehicle and a true reflection of our society.  I think that this is why so many contemporary street artists have been so well received by the public.  All of the artists that OGL produce work of the highest skill level which makes the gallery stand out from the rest.

What are your thoughts on the intersection of art and fashion? Where do you draw the line between the two?

One might argue that art is fashion and fashion is art.  After all, both industries relay on the work of an artist or designer who has a vision which they then communicate through various mediums.  I think the only thing that differentiates them is art’s ability to capture and then polarise that piece of work, for example the way that a sculpture or painting does; whereas fashion is something which can change from month to month, and from year to year. So one could take a couture piece of fashion directly from the catwalk and tailor it to the individual, whereas generally speaking, a piece of art work is usually fixed.

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What is the purpose of art?

The purpose of art should be to send a message to the viewer or consumer of it, which in turn makes them feel a certain emotion.  OGL represents artists who try to show that there is so much more that we can do with our talents to help he world to be a truly better place.

anne samat o gallery london olumide (2)

http://www.ogallerylondon.com/

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