THIS LAND IS GREEN is my latest Art Exhibition. It has been a tradition for me since 1992 to use Art Exhibitions to mark my birthdays, in addition to other forms of celebrations.
In 2004, after four years post-graduation from Yaba College of Technology School of Art, Design and Printing, I had a very successful solo Art Exhibition – NAMING CEREMONY – to mark my 40th birthday at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.
The NAMING CEREMONY was a positive response to a gallery owner in Ikoyi, Lagos, who rejected me and refused to display, in 1991, a painting I did in 1987 in his gallery because, according to him, my name was “not known” then!
To the glory of God, it is a different story today. If nothing at all, you now know me, just like thousands out there who have the privilege of knowing me through my art and my creative programs for children – the Young At Art Children Creative Workshop.
I am privileged to know you too!
God said in His words to Jeremiah in the book of Jeremiah 1:4, “The Lord gave me a message. He said, ‘I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.'”
So, if God who created me knew me like Jeremiah before I was formed in my mother’s womb, then anyone’s knowledge of me is secondary – it is an assignment for others to discover who I am!
Everything I have been doing ever since is to use the visual art business to reaffirm and reinforce a good name for myself, my family, and others who are involved in this creative business who are yet to be known. I am adding value to society through my art!
Most of the themes of my art exhibitions centre on the appreciation of the Almighty God, who is the Master Artist! In addition, I use my art to encourage and celebrate people, purpose, passion, and places as inspired by His word!
”This Land is Green” is the celebration of God’s abundant gift of the earth and her resources to humanity, over which He equally gave us dominion.
Traditionally, this Art Exhibition is to celebrate God’s grace in my life at 62!
THIS LAND IS GREEN
Green symbolizes nature, renewal, health, wellness, balance, stability, safety, prosperity, fertility, peace, and much more!
Green promotes mental relaxation, harmony, and peace.
Green symbolizes hope in Christianity. The word says, “There’s hope for a dead tree that is cut down; at the scent of water, it shall bud again.”
For our Muslim brothers and sisters, green is sacred in Islam, representing paradise! Green is associated with Paradise. No wonder the green color is found in the flags of most Islamic countries.
Our dear country, Nigeria’s flag has green on the left and right, with white at the centre. That speaks loudly about our tolerance and accommodation of one another peacefully, irrespective of our religious leanings.
Green universally symbolizes access and permission to reside, especially in America – the GREEN CARD!
There’s so much more to say about this land that is GREEN, but the conversation continues another day in the future!
Happy viewing!
Biodun Omolayo
March, 2026
