Muri ADEJIMI began his artistic odyssey towards the ending of November 1973 at first for exactly 2 months, came back about a year after as an apprentice to the legendary sculptor and painter, Abayomi Barber at the University of Lagos-Unilag- department of African and Asian studies before the Centre for Cultural Studies came into existence. He became a staff trainee of the Centre, when he came back in 1975.
His apprenticeship, correctly, makes him the pioneer pupil of what is today known in the Nigerian Art parlance as the Abayomi Barber School.
Born in Winneba, Ghana, Muri’s first “major work”, “SACRIFICE FOR PEACE” 1979, was warmly received by an enthusiastic academic community at the convocation exhibition held at main auditorium of Unilag.
Mr. Adejimi’s leap to national prominence came the following year at the National Council for Arts and Culture-NCAC, exhibition commemorating Nigeria’s 20th Independence anniversary which featured notable masters like Ben Enwuonwu, Ehrabor Emokpae, Abayomi Barber, Ben Osawe, E.C. Madukaego, Uche Okeke, Obiora Udechukwu, Demas Nwoko, Etso Ugbodaga-Ngu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Tijani Mayakiri, Oshinowo Dele Jegede and Olu Spencer... in a National Art Exhibition.
His dazzling offerings: “AIYE”, “MARRIAGE” "RITUAL DANCER" and “THE EGG”, were intense and electric. The special guest, President Shehu Shagari, was captivated by Muri’s fascinating genius and craftsmanship.
Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was overheard comparing Muri's works “to the great Picasso’s” writes Richard Ikiebe in the Sunday Times Edition of October 12, 1980.
Muri has featured in over 30 group exhibitions including 3 in –Austria, France and Germany. A selected list is hereby tendered:
· 1976- Medical Students Association, College of Medicine-LUTH- Lagos
· 1977-84 Convocation Exhibitions, at the University of Lagos
· 1980- National Art Exhibition, National Arts Theatre, Lagos
· 1982- Nigerian Art Exhibition, NISCHE KUNSAUSSTEULUNG-Bonn Germany
· 1983- AUSSTELLING, Nigerian Contemporary Art, Austria
· 1984- Nigerian Art Exhibition “Silver Jubilee” Lagos, Owerri and Kaduna
· 1984- The Abayomi Barber School, Exhibition Centre, Iganmu (December)
· 1985- National Art Exhibition, National Theatre, Lagos
· 2002- Nigerian Arts, Crafts & Education Materials, UNESCO Headquarters, France
· 2005- A Bend In The River by CORA –Committee For Relevant Arts 7th Lagos Book Fair, National Museum Lagos
His maiden solo exhibition, INTROSPECTION: INSIDE; LOOKING OUT was co-sponsored by ‘Globacom’ and the French Embassy’s Alliance Francaise from March 31-May 29, 2006 in Lagos.
Muri is also listed the International Art Repository of the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE of WHO is WHO in African Art.
Muri’s surrealistic works are what one of his mentors, Salvador Dali describes as “handmade photographs,” visible in the galleries of wealthy connoisseurs and Corporate institutions.
He deploys with exquisite sophistry, an unusual interpretation of themes, meticulously rendered with accurate precision.
As a Portraitist, his "SIX JURISTS" 1986(?) in Repro form, is a best seller in Judicial circles adorning, courts, lawyers chambers, libraries..
His admonition for drunkenness is captured in “THE MIND OF A DRUNKARD” 1993 while the need to glorify the Highest God is “HALLELUJAH” 1999.
Other works are “BAPTISM” 1982, “WAKE UP AFRICA” 1978, “HOLY CHILD” 1987, “ADITU” (1981) “MAIDEN VOYAGE” 2001, “AN OASIS OF HOPE c. 2003 “BALLET DANCER” 1987 and “GATEWAY TO CIVILISATION” 1997
Some of the Artist’s iconography include Oba Sikiru Adetona, Lady Mbanefo, Chief Agbamuche SAN, Aremo Segun Osoba, Otunba (Dr.) Mike Adenuga Jr., Gen. John Shagaya, Prof and Mrs. E.J. Alagoa, Mrs. Rotimi Williams, Alhaji Yinka Folawiyo-Baba Adini of Lagos, Chief S. L.Edu, Bayo Kuku, TOS Benson, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Abel Ubeku, Itoya Ijewere,mProfessors Kweku Adadevoh, V. O. Olunloyo, Britain’s Prince Charles, Chief Ayo Rosiji and the portrait of the first family-General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida...
