Brandon Artist Wins $20,000 in National Art Competition

A Brandon-based artist, Opeyemi Olukotun, has secured a $20,000 prize after achieving third place in the prestigious Art Comp People’s Choice Awards, a significant Canadian art competition held on March 15, 2024, in London, Ontario. This event showcased the talent of artists from across Canada, with Olukotun standing out among hundreds of entries.

Alongside Olukotun, Rebecca Clouâtre, a mixed-media collage artist from Ottawa, took home the top prize of $50,000, while London-based Colombian artist Juliana Saavedra Patiño received the second prize of $30,000. The total prize pool for the People’s Choice category amounted to $100,000, while the panellists’ top award, also valued at $100,000, was awarded to artist Craig Guthrie.

Olukotun, who moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2022, expressed that the recognition extends beyond the monetary reward. “For me, the recognition goes far beyond the prize money. It means a lot, because I think it’s another way for visibility in my practice,” he stated. He emphasized that this achievement serves as validation of his hard work and reassures him that his art resonates with audiences.

The inspiration for participating in the Art Comp came serendipitously for Olukotun. He recalled, “I literally searched ‘art competitions in Canada’ and the Art Comp popped up. It was the very last day for submissions, so I just decided to send in one of my completed works.” After a couple of months, he received an email congratulating him on being one of the 100 finalists and requesting his artwork for the exhibition.

When attending the competition, Olukotun aimed primarily at networking rather than winning. “At first, I doubted if my name would be called,” he admitted. His surprise at being recognized among the top three was overwhelming, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.

Artistic Journey and Future Aspirations

The award has invigorated Olukotun’s artistic direction, motivating him to explore themes of “belonging and becoming,” which reflect both his Nigerian roots and his experience settling in Canada. He noted, “Right now, it’s about digging deeper and creating works that tell the stories of my new home and identity. Recognition like this is only the beginning.”

While he intends to continue seeking competitive opportunities, Olukotun’s primary focus remains on producing meaningful art that connects with people. He stated, “Competitions are good, but for me, the real goal is building a strong body of work that speaks to where I’ve been and where I am now.” The recognition from the Art Comp has strengthened his resolve to advance his career.

Olukotun’s artistic path began in Nigeria, where he transitioned from a teaching career in Abuja to pursue painting full-time. His journey led him to Lagos, where he joined the Universal Studios of Art. There, he refined his skills under the mentorship of notable Nigerian artists such as Abiodun Olaku and Bunmi Babatunde. “It was a struggle in the beginning, but being in that environment inspired me to push forward,” he reflected.

Upon relocating to Canada in 2022, Olukotun found success through an unexpected connection with the Out of Africa Gallery in Barcelona, Spain. Shortly after arriving in Canada, he was thrilled to discover that nearly 90 percent of the artworks he had sent ahead were sold before he had fully settled in his new home. This success provided him with both financial stability and the confidence to dedicate himself to his artistic practice.

Olukotun’s recent accolade marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career in North America. He expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey, stating, “I’m happy my work got recognized, and I’m grateful to everyone who voted. This is a big step in my career in North America.”