Prize ‘validates journey’ for Brandon artist

A Brandon-based artist has won a $20,000 prize after placing third in the Art Comp People’s Choice Awards, a major Canadian art competition held Friday evening in London, Ont.

Opeyemi Olukotun, who moved to Brandon from Nigeria in 2022, joined Ottawa mixed-media collage artist Rebecca Clouâtre, who won the $50,000 first prize, and London-based Colombian artist Juliana Saavedra Patiño, who won the $30,000 second prize, in the top three. The trio shared a $100,000 prize pool in the People’s Choice category, while the panellists’ top award ($100,000) went to London-based artist Craig Guthrie.

The competition drew hundreds of entries nationwide, with only 20 finalists selected to showcase their work during a 100-day exhibition in London, Olukotun told the Sun on Monday.

“For me, the recognition goes far beyond the prize money. It means a lot, because I think it’s another way for visibility in my practice,” he said. “It’s a testament to hard work. Things like this remind you you’re on the right path and that your work resonates with people.”

Olukotun’s entry into the Art Comp came almost by accident.

“I literally searched ‘art competitions in Canada’ and the Art Comp popped up,” he recalled. “It was the very last day for submissions, so I just decided to send in one of my completed works. A couple of months later, I got an email congratulating me as one of the 100 finalists and asking me to ship my work for the exhibition.”

Olukotun went to London with the mindset of networking rather than winning, so the outcome exceeded his expectations.

“At first, I doubted if my name would be called,” he said. “But when they announced me as one of the top three in People’s Choice, I was extremely excited. It was a validation of my journey so far.”

For Olukotun, the award has reinforced his artistic direction and given him momentum to build on. His current projects revolve around themes of “belonging and becoming,” reflecting both his Nigerian heritage and his experience adapting to life in Canada.

“Right now, it’s about digging deeper and creating works that tell the stories of my new home and identity,” he said. “Recognition like this is only the beginning.”

While he plans to continue applying for competitions when opportunities arise, Olukotun said his focus remains on creating meaningful work that connects with people.

“Competitions are good, but for me, the real goal is building a strong body of work that speaks to where I’ve been and where I am now,” he said.

The Art Comp win, he added, encourages him to keep pushing forward.

“I’m happy my work got recognized, and I’m grateful to everyone who voted. This is a big step in my career in North America.”

Olukotun’s artistic path began in Nigeria, where he left a teaching career in the nation’s capital, Abuja, to pursue painting full-time. He moved to Lagos to join the Universal Studios of Art, immersing himself among professionals to sharpen his skills and avoid the temptation of returning to a conventional career. Under the mentorship of acclaimed Nigerian artists, including Abiodun Olaku and Bunmi Babatunde, Olukotun refined his craft while navigating the uncertainties of a new career in the arts.

“It was a struggle in the beginning, but being in that environment inspired me to push forward,” he said.

When he and his family relocated to Canada in 2022, Olukotun found an unexpected lifeline through an international connection. He was signed by Out of Africa Gallery in Barcelona, Spain, almost immediately after his arrival.

Having sent several works ahead of his move, he was surprised when nearly 90 per cent sold before he even settled into his new home. The sales, he said, gave him both financial stability and confidence to focus fully on his practice.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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