Brandon Artist Wins $20,000 Prize in National Art Competition

A Brandon-based artist, Opeyemi Olukotun, has achieved significant recognition by winning a $20,000 prize after placing third in the prestigious Art Comp People’s Choice Awards. This major Canadian art competition took place on March 15, 2024, in London, Ontario. Olukotun’s accomplishment marks a notable milestone in his artistic journey, having moved from Nigeria to Canada in 2022.

Alongside Olukotun, Rebecca Clouâtre, a mixed-media collage artist from Ottawa, claimed the $50,000 first prize, while Juliana Saavedra Patiño, a London-based Colombian artist, secured the $30,000 second prize. The trio shared a total prize pool of $100,000 in the People’s Choice category, while the overall top award of $100,000 was awarded to London-based artist Craig Guthrie.

Olukotun, who is also a finalist in the competition, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “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 shared. “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.”

The Art Comp received hundreds of entries nationwide, ultimately selecting only 20 finalists to showcase their work during a 100-day exhibition in London. Olukotun’s journey to participating in the competition was somewhat serendipitous. He recalled, “I literally searched ‘art competitions in Canada’ and the Art Comp popped up. It was the very last day for submissions, so I just decided to send in one of my completed works.”

After receiving an email congratulating him as one of the 100 finalists, he shipped his work for the exhibition. Olukotun approached the event with networking in mind, rather than just focusing on winning. “At first, I doubted if my name would be called,” he admitted. “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.”

The award has reinforced Olukotun’s artistic direction and provided him with the momentum to continue creating. His current projects explore themes of “belonging and becoming,” reflecting both his Nigerian heritage and his experiences 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 intends to pursue more competitions, Olukotun emphasized that his primary focus remains on producing meaningful art that resonates with audiences. “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 noted. The Art Comp win has encouraged him to keep pushing forward in his artistic endeavors. “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 journey began in Nigeria, where he transitioned from a teaching career in Abuja to pursue painting full-time. He moved to Lagos to join the Universal Studios of Art, immersing himself among professionals to refine his skills. Under the mentorship of renowned Nigerian artists, including Abiodun Olaku and Bunmi Babatunde, Olukotun developed his craft amidst the challenges of establishing a career in the arts.

His relocation to Canada in 2022 brought unexpected opportunities. Shortly after his arrival, he was signed by Out of Africa Gallery in Barcelona, Spain. Having sent several works ahead of his move, he was pleasantly surprised when nearly 90 percent sold before he settled into his new home. These sales provided him with both financial stability and the confidence to dedicate himself fully to his artistic practice.

As Olukotun continues to build on this recognition, he remains committed to creating art that reflects his unique experiences and perspectives. The recent accolade serves not only as a validation of his journey but also as a catalyst for future artistic exploration.