Ade Abayomi Olufeko[a] (born in 1980), is an American-born
designer, technologist, and entrepreneur primarily active in
Lagos, Nigeria. He is known for his international contributions to the
humanities, impacting regions like the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe. His influence evolved from direct interactions and collaborations with consortiums,
advocacy groups, and artist collectives. He is the founder of
Visual Collaborative, an American platform collaborating with diverse experts on socio-economic issues.[1]
Ade Olufeko was born in
Minneapolis, a city in the
Upper Midwest. He hails from
Ijebu lineage, both his parents were active entrepreneurs. He spent his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, specifically in
Surulere, a mainland city, during the country's
Second Republic. He received his primary education at Unilag Staff School and later attended
St. Gregory's College in Obalende for his secondary education.[4]
In the mid-1990s, he returned to Minneapolis for further studies at
Henry High. During his time there as a student, he served as a guest speaker to his
IB classmates in English literature, providing insights on themes of
culture shock. For a period, he also resided in the historic
Stevens Square. He is an alumnus of Metropolitan State University, where he pursued studies in computer science with a focus on mastering multimedia technologies.
Career
Work as technologist, IBM and Visual Collaborative
Olufeko's technology career began during the
dot-com era, where he delved into
motion graphics, internet technologies, and hardware while employed at companies like Ameritech, a
3M spinoff Imation, and
IBM.[c] His focus developed into digital strategy and
information architecture, providing consulting services to diverse industries, including media, technology, health, and finance. Later, he relocated to
New York City, joining the media conglomerate
Warner Music Group. Notably, he served as a
Front-End engineer for
PayPal, Bank of America, and various American celebrities of different music genres online.[d][1]
In 2007, Olufeko established Visual Collaborative. Since its inception, he has teamed up with more than 150 artists from different cities showcasing their talents.[6]
In 2015, he returned to oversee and curate the platform, shining a spotlight on a wide range of artists and multidisciplinary creatives.[7] Then, in 2016, he took a brief break from his role at Visual Collaborative to share his expertise as a management consultant with IBM's Interactive Experience service line, contributing to innovation in the tech industry.[8]
Art
Style and selected works
Self-taught as a digital painter and in mixed-media artistry, Olufeko's creative process as an
avocation evolved over a decade. His exhibited work explores
Africanfuturism, experimental
Chaos theory and Counterculture.[9] He is a former member of the
Society for Neuroscience.[10][11]
Ayo Mancala
In 2021, Olufeko created and introduced the
wax print version of the indigenous AYO mancala in
Ankara to enter the consumer market with 200 units. The response and reviews were well-covered in local media. In the third quarter of the year, he released the
Kente and
Adire product lines which drew considerable interest outside Nigeria across west Africa and its diaspora.[12] According to audited data, sales of locally made units exceeded 5,000.[13] During the
capital flight in the nation and following a fire outbreak in one of the largest wood communities, part of the sales helped feed numerous artisans and their families.[14][15]
Martial Arts
Olufeko is a martial arts practitioner, initially starting with
Wing Chun and later expanding to include
Tai Chi and
Qigong. He deepened his skills under the tutelage of
Wudang Taoist Master W. Shizhi against the backdrop of
Mount Luofu, in mainland
China.[16][17]
^In the early
aughts, his interactive design work was showcased by
adjuncts in selected courses by British training organization
Learndirect.[5]
^Following the
Bravebird album and its subsequent release
Morning, Olufeko contributed digital design and advisory work to Larrieux's record label.
^On January 17, 2013, several digital paintings by Olufeko were showcased and leveraged at a fundraiser which
Somaly Mam was guest of honor, this took place at the Hudson Terrace in New York City. The evening brought together influencers and celebrities featuring composers such as
Chloe Flower supporting the Somaly Mam Foundation.[21]
References
^
abTaiwo, Yetunde (March 2012). "Behind the Technology: Super Cool Nerd!". Made Magazine. Vol. 20. Lagos.