Meet Adebayo Muritala, ‘Bulldozer,’ the blind artist revolutionizing Adire Art

Adebayo Muritala David, also known as “Bulldozer,” a blind artist and CEO of African Craft Shop developed a passion for art from a young age. In this interview with Deborah Oladejo, Adebayo shares his journey, his approach to art, and his experiences as a person with a disability. He also discusses the challenges he faces, including finance and patronage, and calls for support from the government and society. Excerpts:

Q: Can you tell us more about your upbringing and early influences?

A: I was raised in Osogbo. I grew up in Oke-Fia, Osogbo. I went to Laro Grammar school and later graduated from Osogbo Grammar school in 1996/1997. After that I got admission into Osun state Polytechnic, Iree but didn’t finish there because of my love for art. Despite facing initial resistance from my parents regarding my passion for art, they eventually supported me, allowing me to pursue my dreams.

Q: Can you share the experiences that helped you grow as an artist and develop your unique style?

A: My artistic journey began in 1998 at Nike Art Gallery, where I learned the foundations of my craft. My passion for Adire and art led me to Ghana, where I had the opportunity to blend Nigerian and Ghanaian styles, creating a unique fusion that became a trademark of my work. Over the years, I’ve taught thousands of youths and worked with organizations such as Don Bosco for 9 years and Japanese International Corporation Agency, constantly evolving my skills. In 2006, I returned home to Nigeria, reuniting with Nike Art Gallery and contributing my newfound experience, ideas, and developments in art to the community.

Q: Were you born blind?

A: No, I wasn’t born blind. I battled glaucoma for many years but unfortunately lost my sight. Despite this, I never let it stop me. After losing my sight in 2012, my family’s support and the guidance of a counselor led me to rehabilitation, which played a crucial role in my journey. Within a year, I regained my strength and spirit, refusing to let blindness deter my artistic pursuits. Before this incident, I was married but my wife denied me and she left.

Q: How did you discover your love for art?
A: Art has always been a part of me. From a young age, I found myself naturally drawn to drawing and capturing the essence of people around me. It’s a gift from God. My life experiences, both in light and darkness, have shaped my artistic journey and given me a unique perspective that I call the “experience of life.” That is why people call me “bulldozer”.

Q: What unique methods have you developed to create your Adire designs?
A: Art is something you can’t do without, and my art is a gift. I have initiated a dyeing process called blending, inspired by the blending technique in oil painting. In Adire, blending involves dyeing cloth from a darker to a lighter level. I also created “Adire Alawe,” which means Adire in strips, in December 2023. I sat down myself without any assistance I just think of it and created it and I make it happen. I discovered that people are complaining that “Ofi” is old and I look at how I will combine old things to make it new you know this generation believe in new things, combining old and new elements to appeal to modern tastes. We have to upgrade ourself in textile
My work is unique because it can be used for various purposes like framing, painting, sewing, socks, boxers, suits and storytelling. We call it batik pictorials or batik painting, and it touches on different cultures and religions.

Q: Given your situation, how do you work with colors without assistance?

A: My phone has a color device and a screen reader that helps me identify and mix colors. It takes me to another realm of colors with names we might not even know. The device tells me the exact color name and guides me on mixing colors to achieve the desired shade. For instance, if I don’t have orange, it will suggest the exact quantities of other colors to mix. By combining technology with my work, I believe Adire is going digital.

Q: Have you received any awards for your achievements so far?

A: I have received an award from the disability community in Ede.

Q: What advice would you give to people with disabilities?

A: I encourage them to practice what they preach and demonstrate their abilities. By focusing on their passions and showcasing their skills, they can challenge the misconceptions surrounding disability. I have trained people with disabilities in Ghana, teaching them how to make Adire and inspiring them to explore new career paths. Embracing one’s gifts and doing what brings joy is essential for overcoming challenges and finding success.

Q: What challenges have you faced?

A: The most common challenges are financial difficulties and patronage. I have more than 10 people and I pay them on daily basis and you know to be able to pay salary that means you have to be selling everyday and if you want to overcome patronage challenge make sure that your work is unique. To address the patronage issue, I strive to make my work unique, which helps attract customers and build a loyal clientele. I also urge the government to provide more support for people with disabilities, as they often struggle to secure basic necessities while developing their talents.

Q: Has the Government contributed to your association in any way?

A: Yes, Governor Ademola Adeleke provided us with a space we call the “Adire Pit” where people with disabilities can comfortably create Adire. We are grateful for this support and hope to receive more assistance from the Government in the future.

Q: What other efforts are you making to increase patronage?
A: Aside from relying on support from journalists who put us on social media, we have been sharing our work also on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. This has attracted customers from within the country and abroad who either visit us or have our products shipped to them. However, we still aim to reach a wider audience.

Q: In what other ways have you impacted the society?

A: About five or six years ago, I started an initiative to support people with disabilities in my community. This began with providing food, clothing, and other necessities during festivals. Over time, with the help of others, we established an NGO called Three Good Heart. Through this organization, we currently support eight students who are children of persons with disabilities by providing school uniforms, fees, books, shoes, and bags. The foundation has grown to organize workshops in Ghana and the Philippines, demonstrating our commitment to helping our community.

Q: What are your expectations?

A: We hope for direct and strong support from the Government, reaching out to persons with disabilities who are making a positive impact in various sectors. We also advocate for a dedicated home for persons with disabilities in Osun State, as we currently do not have one.