Submitted: UPEI engineering student to host art exhibition at Kettle Black

By Yakosu Umana

Niyi Adeogun is a UPEI engineering major. He has a flair for art and plans to host an exhibition of his work this Saturday on Sept. 21 at the Kettle Black coffee spot (Photo credits: Yakosu Umana)

Niyi Adeogun has had a passion for art since he was six, but his feelings for it changed in Grade 9. That year, he competed in an art competition with hopes of being the best, until he saw a friend’s work.

“His work is way better than mine, I don’t think I can continue with this,” Adeogun thought.

He got discouraged and decided to focus more in his education and basketball, but not for long.

In 2015, Adeogun took his Christian faith more seriously and it helped him rekindle his passion.

“I found my purpose in Christ and God led me back to the skills he had actually given me.”

In 2017, Adeogun moved from Nigeria to P.E.I. to study to engineering at UPEI. His artistic ability gained some recognition from his friends and acquaintances.

One of them paid him to design a flyer.

His art is not solely for his pleasure or personal gain, but to reach out to others, he said.

“God gave me a vision of how He wants to impact people and inspire people through my art.
Art became real to me and more meaningful. Having to create something that can change people’s lives.”

Adeogun will host an art exhibition called Genesis at the Kettle Black coffee spot in Queen street, on Sep. 21st. The meaning behind the exhibition’s name is to signify it’s the first of many, he said.

“This is just the beginning, there is more to come.”

A theme behind the exhibition is mental health awareness and the pieces of art have meaning, Adeogun said.
“[It’s on] awareness of certain mental health issues I’ve been through and how God has helped me through it.

“The meaning of the designs will be placed by each art piece.”

People should be more open about mental health issues, he said.

“Voicing out your struggles when you’re going through them is very valuable.”

Adeogun has been in touch with mental health services at P.E.I. and hopes to work with them in future.