You are considered Nigeria’s foremost speed painter. Does that make you the first at this?
I wouldn’t say that I am the first. I’m pretty sure that there were others before me. I guess what it really means is that my work is distinguished in some way. Besides, I have taken speed painting to heights that no other speed painter in Nigeria has been able to do.
What exactly is speed painting?
It is an artistic style where the artist creates an art piece in a very short time. It can be considered a performance painting if the artist does it to a crowd and infuses some movement or fancy fast strokes to his work or in my case paint the image upside down.
What other art styles do you do?
I work as a contemporary hyper realist and this is where I use my charcoals and graphite to paint.
Is there a relationship between speed painting and medical profession?
Yes there is. I use my art to create awareness on medical conditions, especially in the field of dermatology. Art is a powerful tool to send messages with and communicate with individuals or different races, cultures and backgrounds. Many will argue that medical doctors hardly find the time for pastimes but you seem to be doing it differently with painting.
How are you able to keep the two sides of your life working without both clashing?
I wouldn’t call my art something I do in my pastime. It is my profession. Yes, I have two professions. I am able to carry on with both because I am passionate about healthcare, just as I am about art. Also, I plan my time effectively so there is no basis for both clashing.
How did your journey into speed painting begin?
It began in my 400 level in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos where I painted during a school event. The reaction I got from the crowd when I was done pushed me to do more and that was how it began. I started moving from shows to shows just looking for different platforms to show my work.
Have you gone commercial with it?
I am paid for every speed-painting I do. It is an industry on its own and just like every other performing arts, it is quite lucrative.
Do you exhibit your works?
Yes I do. I have exhibited in different countries across the world, including Nigeria, USA, UK, Italy, Spain and Germany. I also have an upcoming exhibition in October 2022 at the art pantheon in Oniru, Lagos.
What kind of things do you paint, humans, objects or just plain abstract painting?
I mostly work with the human figure.
Which of your paintings would you consider to be your most significant and why?
I have done so many and I actually consider them all very significant but right off the top of my head, I would say two of my works which I aptly named RESILIENCE I and IN THE ARMS OF MORPHEUS. When these particular works were exhibited, I remember many people bidding for them simultaneously.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am inspired by everything around me, my day to day interaction with people and what I see or hear happening around me.
Have you always wanted to be a doctor or is it a means to an end?
I remember that I was always called a doctor right from when I was in primary school. I guess it just grew on me and when it came to selecting a course to study, I just chose medicine and surgery.
What is your area of specialisation?
I am yet to do my residency, but I have a special interest in dermatology and surgery.
Why that?
This is because I love working with the skin, whether in my art or in the hospital and surgery because I know my hands to be quite steady and reliable.
Are your patients still eager to have you treat them when they find out that you are a painter at night?
Many of my patients don’t even know who I am. But those that do absolutely love the level of care and professionalism I put into what I do
Do you plan to continue being a doctor or do you see yourself eventually leaving medicine to fully embrace painting?
I will definitely continue to be a doctor and an artist.
You run a project called skin positivity. What is it all about?
Many people have fallen victim to society’s idea of what your skin should be like. There are many unrealistic ideas out there on what kind of skin people should be comfortable in. This has led to low self-esteem, depression and many people using very harmful products on their skin, all with the aim of achieving the “perfect” skin. My skin positivity project aims to encourage people to love themselves irrespective of their skin type, to boost their confidence and reduce the stigma associated with many visible skin conditions.
What influenced it?
It all came up from my interaction with my patients. I got to see the side most people do not see. How people have to live with the constant stares, endless questions and poking. I really just wanted to do something to help a lot more people I know are going through that emotional and psychological trauma of having certain skin concerns.
What is your story behind the FolaDavid Foundation?
The FolaDavid foundation was born out of love for healthcare and art.
How would you assess the impact of your foundation on the society?
We have been able to carry out free medical outreaches in different parts of Nigeria and cater to over 5,000 people. Our creative projects have seen us set up visual development centers in Nigeria and in South Africa. We help children in various cities to harness their talents in visual art and give them a platform to show their works to the world. The South African National Lotteries Commission, NLC, gave us a yearly grant of $25,000 to do just that. We plan to take this to many other African countries. One thing I remember saying to myself a lot when I started my journey as an artist was that “I wish I started earlier…” I realised my major challenge was not even knowing what I had and what I can do with it. These centres help to deal with that challenge by helping children in different communities have access to tools, to mentorship, to platforms of expression and create a community of young budding artists
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was quite uneventful. I was a very bright student and that was mostly what my life revolved around. I didn’t start living till I got to the university and started drawing and painting.
What would you say has shaped you to be who you are today?
The people I met along the way, how they lived their lives and how they were able to achieve success has really influenced me greatly.
What philosophy do you live by?
It doesn’t matter how slowly you move as long as you do not stop.
How do you let off steam?
I love watching movies a lot! I have also appeared in two movies. One of them is called SYMPHONY and it will be released September 9 2022.
Unlike many of your counterparts who see leaving Nigeria for greener pastures as the only way to make it as a Nigerian, why aren’t you following that path?
I am going to be pursuing a residency outside the country in medicine and in art definitely, but this is just to gain the necessary skills to come back and help in building my country, Nigeria.
Do you think the Federal Government is solely to blame for the mass exodus of doctors and other medical personnel from the country?
The issue with healthcare in Nigeria is very complex. There are so many layers of neglect and incompetence and it will take more than the Federal Government to solve this problem.
The health Minister once said something about looking into a law where doctors would be made to sign a bond to work for their country for a certain number of years before they can freely leave the country. What is your take on this?
Currently Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike for almost half a year. We are talking about a country where you can almost be guaranteed that your proposed graduation year of entry to the university will not be your actual year of graduation. I think it only makes sense to schools in a place with a more stable educational system. The government should be looking at making things better for doctors here instead of choosing to force them into the system further worsening it for everyone.
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