In the vibrant world of contemporary African art, Oladapo Ogunjobi has emerged as a transformative figure. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, this conceptual fine art photographer and curator fuses traditional art with advanced technology to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Ogunjobi’s work is known for exploring themes like migration, wealth, commerce, and the human drive for power and connection. By leveraging augmented reality (AR), Ogunjobi redefines visual storytelling, positioning his work as a vital part of the global art conversation in the 21st century.
Ogunjobi’s artistic journey reached a breakthrough with his inaugural collection, The 1111 Project, celebrated as Africa’s first Augmented Reality Art Experience. This groundbreaking series includes eleven limited-edition artworks now held by collectors across seven continents, establishing Ogunjobi as a global force in contemporary art. Through this project, he reimagines the possibilities of art and technology, making a powerful statement on connectivity and the future of artistic expression.
In 2018, Ogunjobi’s rise continued when he was selected among 22 artists featured in Retro Africa’s Generation Y exposition—a key platform for emerging talents shaping Africa’s contemporary art landscape. That same year, his work The Nature of Being was showcased by The New York Times, where his photography gained international recognition.
Building on his early success, Ogunjobi has expanded his thematic focus through series such as the 1111+ Series and the The Symphony of Being exhibition, both of which delve into humanity’s quest for wealth, power, and relationships. The 1111+ Series consists of eight open-edition artworks with AR enhancements, offering collectors affordable access to exclusive art. This series reinforces Ogunjobi’s commitment to blending art and technology, encouraging a broader audience to experience contemporary art in new, engaging ways.
The Symphony of Being exhibition is another milestone in Ogunjobi’s career. With works like Mammon I, Oju Aiye, Garri ,the Milky Way, and Why This Horse? the exhibition navigates complex themes such as human existence, spirituality, and social commentary. Each piece, enhanced through AR, offers audiences a deeply personal and immersive encounter, blurring the boundaries of traditional media.
In a unique collaboration with musician Digba Ogunbiyi, Ogunjobi also incorporates a live performance element in his exhibitions. Together, they developed a theme song that captures the essence of the 1111+ Series, creating a rich auditory layer to complement the visual experience and enrich the exhibition atmosphere.
Looking to the future, Ogunjobi plans to push his creative boundaries by venturing into video content creation and advertising, continuing his exploration of the intersection between art, commerce, and technology. He envisions developing a community of premium collectors for The 1111 Project, providing exclusive access to new releases and events. He is also launching the Ouverture app, a pioneering AR platform that extends beyond the art world, with investors and early adopters poised to benefit from its growing impact.
As The 1111 Project celebrates its fourth anniversary, Ogunjobi’s work remains at the forefront of the dialogue on art and technology in Africa. Through his groundbreaking projects, he challenges audiences to rethink art’s role in shaping our individual lives and the collective future.
For more on The 1111 Project and Ogunjobi’s work, visit the 1111project.com and enjoy N50,000 off with the code ‘4TH1111’ during checkout.
Oladapo Ogunjobi: Pioneering the Future of African Art with Augmented Reality