I'm truly saddened at the news of the passing of my dear instructor, Professor Agbo Folarin. I had the honor to be under his tutelage at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. As our Head of Department, he was like none other that presided in that post before him. He was like a father. He was genuinely concerned for the well-being of his students.
On Facebook my former class/course mates have flooded in stories that equally attest to the fact that he was truly our "Baba". As a sculptor, I respect and admire the ground-breaking work he did in the area of metal works. Ancient Ife was indeed a hub for the lost-wax metal casting technique. But, he brought a modern edge to metal works. He was always exposing us to innovative techniques and challenged us to equally explore the use of what was found in our immediate environment. Where imported European/Western oil and acrylic paints became too costly for the struggling student artist, Ife fine arts students began to paint with locally found sand/earth mixed with gesso to create vibrant wall murals. My first contact with the use of fiber glass was as a result of Professor Folarin.
My only regret was that I was unable to honor him in life. Baba Folarin, we treasure your memory and continue to celebrate your life through your master works and your tutelage through our works. Find rest from all your labors. --Joyce Olewe
> Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:49:02 -0500
> To: USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
> From: toyin.falola@mail.utexas.edu
> Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - Obituary: Professor Agbo Folarin
>
> Statement Sent by Dr. Yemi Ola
>
> Professor Agboola Folarin, A retired professor of Fine Arts, from the
> Department of Fine Arts Obafemi Awolowo is dead. Baba Agbo as
> popularly called by all was one of the pioneering members of the
> department along with JRO Ojo, Babtunde Lawal, Rowland Abiodun, Irien
> Wangboge, Akinola Lasekan and others. This sad news is coming after
> the university lost prof Lamidi fakeye almost a year ago.
>
> Prof. Agbo Folarin will best be remembered as an artist whose
> presence is felt in most part of our university campus right from the
> crest at the top of the entrance gate from road one, the aluminium
> screen shield sculpture at the Students union building, the aluminium
> cast at the Ajose Lecture theatre, the copper Screen walls, Metal
> gates and doors at the conference centre, series of window blind for
> several offices especially in the 70's and 80's and the the bronze
> statue of Oluwasanmi at the University library.
>
> Thanks
> Stephen FolaranmiADIEU PROF AGBOOLA FOLARIN (BABA AGBO) Picture taken
> on September 8 2008 at the Hilton Luxury Hotel, Abuja, during the
> ARESUVA 2008. Fortunately I was in the room with Baba for the whole
> week. We will miss him so much. photograph by Stephen Folaranmi, 2008
>
> --
> Toyin Falola
> Department of History
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