Doba Afolabi (Adedeji Adedoba Afolabi)was born in the mountains of southwest Nigeria and credits his mother who was a versatile dancer as the fundamental force behind his flair for expressions. Monet, Van Gogh Degas and Yoruba stylized carvings were later influences while he studied at the University catching with the spirit of the Zaria art avant garde tagged the 'Zaria Rebels' style of the famous Zaria art school where he graduated.
Doba worked as a graphic artist with the British overseas development of the UN and taught at Yaba College of technology in Lagos Nigeria prior to his coming to New York. His success at several exhibition and the academics propelled his momentum. His 'Women's Day' won a regional poster project with the WHO and it was placed at several centers around the country and beyond.
He is proud of his first Solo exhibition tagged 'Buffalo Soldier' in 1999 at the art district of North East Miami in Florida and several other shows curated by Asmar b art gallery which launched his fame among the scholars thereby initiating him as a relevant force at the annual Black History Month art shows at the Florida International University. Doba later extended his tents far and wide enough to be recognized at the popular 2001 Brooklyn Fulton art Fair by his mentor and spiritual father, Otto Neal. He is well known at various art galleries after working briefly at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the City and has featured alongside the art biggies most especially at the great Dorsey Gallery which produced the likes of Romare Bearden, Otto Neal, and Dr Ojo who connected him with Emmit Wigglesworth.
Education:
1992
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria
B.A Painting
1985
University Of Ife (Adeyemi College) Nigeria
National certificate in Education(Fine Arts)
EXHIBITIONS:
2011
African American Museum Long Island New York
FELASPIRATIONS at 946 Fulton Brooklyn New York
Innovative Gallery Atlanta Georgia
2010
Dorsey Art Gallery Brooklyn
Damon Dash Gallery Tribecca Manhattan New York
ARTCURIAN Gallery Brooklyn New York
39th African International Art Fair New York
2009
Dorsey Gallery Brooklyn New York
2006
First Great Port Jefferson Juried Art Show New York
2005
Metropolitan Museum Of Art Manhattan New York Staff Show
2001
Florida Internatioal University Black History Month Miami Florida
2000
Florida International University Black History Month
Asmar B Art Gallery Miami Florida
Roka Gallery NE Miami Florida
1999
Professor Agyeman Buffalo Soldier Art Show Miami Florida
1997
Colors and Forms Goetthe Institute German Embassy Lagos Nigeria
1993
Patrons Art Exhibition Kuru Jos Nigeria
1992
Bachelors of Arts Final Year Art Show Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria
1990
Academic Press Art Exhibition Lagos Nigeria
1985
Adeyemi College National Certificate In Education Nigeria Final Year Art Show
AWARDS
Artist of the year 2010 ,
39th Africa International Art Fair New York
First Prize; Port Jefferson Art Council Juried Art Show Long Island New York