Read Olamide Alao's new essay '858, Irish Culture, Curiosity, and the Beauty of Storytelling'

858, Irish Culture, Curiosity, and the Beauty of Storytelling was commissioned by RGKSKSRG to accompany the exhibition Oh My Demigod at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, 24 March - 30 April, 2022. The piece explores themes and topics that emerged through discussions Olamide had with her brother, Farouk Alao, one of the artists behind Oh My Demigod.

Olamide Alao is a writer, multidisciplinary creative and recent graduate of International Law and English and LLM candidate. She is of West African descent, and grew up in Ireland. She is now based between Dublin and Amsterdam. Alao’s experience spans from her appointment as young writer delegate by the Irish Writers Centre 2021 as part of International literature Festival Dublin. She has also written for numerous publications including LAPP Magazine, Damaged Dublin, and Inquire Newspaper. In addition to this, Alao also enjoys and participates within various mediums stretching from fashion, poetry, blogging, photography, and advocacy for justice through action and creative means.

Farouk Alao solves problems and creates Art. Born in Lagos, raised in Dublin and made in Limerick and London, Alao is currently based between Dublin and London. An emerging artist, designer, model and brand consultant, he finds inspiration mainly from daily interactions with the world. He creates art to better understand the world around him and hopefully help others understand theirs better too. He utilises 2D and 3D design tools and methodologies as well as photography, focusing on humanity, questioning the things we think we know about ourselves.