Serenity

In the heart of a city constantly in motion, Serenity offers a sanctuary. This exhibition brings together the transcendent works of two exceptional artists, Rotimi Akinnire and Sade Okuboyejo, whose practices invite stillness, reflection, and intimate engagement with nature.

Rotimi Akinnire’s oil paintings transport us into dreamlike natural landscapes; lush forests, glassy bodies of water, and quiet places that almost feel otherworldly. Upon closer observation, subtle human forms begin to emerge from the foliage, encouraging viewers to pause and look again. His work is deeply meditative, offering an immersive experience where the viewer is not just looking at a painting but entering it, engaging with it, and losing themselves in its depths. Rotimi’s decades-long practice reflects a mastery of colour, atmosphere, and illusion that is both comforting and quietly awe-inspiring.

In perfect harmony with Akinnire’s work is the bonsai artistry of Sade Okuboyejo, Nigeria’s first certified bonsai artist and the founder of Bonsai by Sade. Drawing from both African and Japanese traditions, her miniature living sculptures are contemplative pieces of art that represent patience, presence, and harmony with nature. Trained under the revered Master Mark D’Cruz in London, Sade’s trees are more than decorative; they are spiritual dialogues with the natural world, nurtured over time with care, skill, and intention. Her presence in this exhibition extends the visual language of calm and care into the living form.

Together, these artists anchor Serenity, a multi-sensory experience where the visual and natural meet. Seating areas, quiet corners, and notebooks encourage visitors to linger, reflect, and reconnect with themselves through stillness and beauty. In a city as fast-paced as Lagos, Serenity offers a rare opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be.