X

Born in Ibadan but raised amidst the pulsating energy of Lagos, Daniel’s formative years were an intersection of various cultural traditions, predominantly Yoruba, resonating through seasonal festivities, sacred ceremonies, and age-old rituals. This diverse socio-cultural milieu would go on to shape his artistic odyssey. Daniel’s canvas knows no bounds of popular conceptual paradigms; it’s a domain where indigenous cultures seamlessly merge with contemporary inclinations. Through meticulous craftsmanship and collage, he sculpts images that seem poised in a ballet of effusive motion, capitalizing on a style often categorized as Mixed Media. Figures, poised in expressive postures, grace his canvases while intersecting planes engender a sense of depth and motion. His palette radiates a sublime infusion of flow, endowing each piece with a distinctive vitality.

Yet, what truly distinguishes Daniel is his unwavering commitment to people and environment. His work acts as a bridge between age-old traditions and modern art, celebrating not only the artistry but also the sartorial elegance of attire and architectural forms. Traditional drums and dance find resonance in his paintings. In each brushstroke, Daniel encapsulates the core of daily human experiences within an indigenous context. His mature and deliberate use of colours adds an extra layer of profound textural and visual depth. His uncanny quirks regarding architectural elements infuse his canvases with vitality, featuring contours and angles reminiscent of ancient Yoruba palaces. Each stroke carries the weight of history, with echoes of columns and arches intermingling with the bold strokes of contemporary design.

Daniel’s affinity with nature is palpable in his works. He often captures the serenity of a hillside bathed in the golden hues of a setting or rising sun, the silent conversations of trees whispering their wisdom, and the graceful flight of birds, each wingbeat a testament to freedom. His artistic compositions reflect his personality as a perfectionist. Every detail, every line, every shade is deliberate, a testament to his uncompromising pursuit of excellence. Through his art, Daniel beckons us into a world where the universal and the local harmonize, where humanity discovers its shared essence amid diverse races, faiths, and societies. His paintings pay homage to enduring principles, philosophy, and culture, attesting to the timeless nature of tradition in an ever-evolving world. To delve deeper into Daniel’s creations is to embark on a journey through strata of meaning and iconography, uncovering an artist whose seemingly unassuming titles conceal a profound wellspring of knowledge. Daniel Tee Olaniyi’s art surpasses mere visual representation; it extends an invitation to a deeper comprehension of life and the enduring influence of art.

In 2016, after completing his bachelor’s degree, Daniel delved more into his artistic practice and set up a private studio, May Studios, where he has since been working full-time. In 2016, after completing his bachelor’s degree, Daniel delved more into his artistic practice and set up a private studio, May Studios, where he has since been working full-time. Over time, he has exhibited in various cities, his works can also be found in private collections around the world.