Ajoke Oniburedi (Ajoke the bread seller)
Size: 36 by 48 inches
Medium: Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
Artist: Segun Caezar
Description:
Ajoke Oniburedi tells the story of a young girl navigating the streets of Lagos with a tray of bread balanced atop her head and a heart full of dreams. Each morning, before the city fully wakes, Ajoke steps onto the bustling roads, weaving through danfo buses and hurried pedestrians, calling out to potential buyers. "Fresh Agege bread! Soft and sweet!" Her voice, though small against the noise of the city, carries the weight of survival and hope.
Like the koi fish swimming against the tide, she pushes forward, each step driven by resilience. She dreams of more—of school, of a life where she is seen beyond her struggle. But for now, she walks, selling bread under the scorching sun and sudden rains, her spirit unbroken.
In this piece, Segun Caezar merges realism with symbolism, using koi fish—emblems of perseverance and destiny—to flow around and through Ajoke, mirroring her journey. Their vibrant orange hues contrast against her dark figure, representing both the obstacles she faces and the fire within her. The structured geometric background hints at the invisible barriers she navigates, while the partial obscurity of her face invites the viewer to see her beyond her circumstances.
Through Ajoke Oniburedi, Caezar captures more than a portrait; he tells a story of struggle, strength, and the quiet determination to rise.