Architect and visual artist, Paul Atiyota, reflects on his journey to the studio, AKEEM LASISI writes
Unlike many young people who defied their parents when making career choices, Paul Atiyota deferred to his father. When it was time to attend university in 1986, he applied for a degree Fine Arts. But the old man disapproved of this.
This is how the Agbarho, Delta State-born man ended up studying Architecture at the University of Lagos. About 20 years after, it is evident that though Atiyota’s father had his way, the son stooped to conquer his father and has realised his ambition.
Today, Atiyota is an architect and artist, with his studio located at Adeniyi Jones area of Lagos. As an architect, he has made his mark, especially in the banking industry where he has been involved in the development of buildings of various branches of commercial banks. His signature in the visual art world is, however, registered through oil on canvass, as well as archilic.
“As at the time I wanted to study art, it was a thing of shame for parents to have their children do so,” the artist, who wear a sh beard, says. He adds that a visit to an established artist’s studio in 1993, where he saw some paintings that struck a strident note on the piano of his spirit, inspired him into painting.
Now, his passion for the paint and brush business has become so strong that he often feels tempted to quit architecture.
“But each time I make up my mind to do so, a job would just come up and I would not be able to resist it. I won’t say architecture automatically brings in more money than arts. It is all about mileage and passion. Anything you love to do when you are around 25 years of age, if you work hard at it for up to 15 years, you are very likely to have realised your dream.”
Regarding the challenges in the art sector, Atiyota notes that the lack of exposure to visual art in Nigeria is the reason why Nigerians hardly appreciate art and buy works by Nigerian artists.
Currently, he is planning to undertake an art project he will take round schools to help children and youths that have interest in becoming artists, but have no one to inspire them.
Atiyota adds, “Events have taught all of us that it is not everybody that has flair for brain work. So, we should help every child to become the best he or she can in whatever area he is talented.”