By Apata Oyeniran
Copyright independent
LAGOS – The inseparable link between art, paintings, and tourism has remained undeniable over the centuries.
Beyond beautifying spaces and enhancing the environment, art serves as a cultural mirror, preserving fading memories of history, reflecting the present, and projecting into the future.
Its aesthetic value and ability to attract tourists to destinations continue to affirm the role of art as a vital driver of cultural heritage and economic growth.
Few embody this truth better than Rauf Thompson, a veteran artist whose works have spanned more than five decades of excellence.
A visit to the “Rauf Art Gallery”, located in Ilasa, Lagos, tells the story of his creative journey. From abstract oil paintings to acrylics on canvas, the gallery houses diverse collections that capture the pulse of society with timeless relevance.
Trained at the renowned Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Thompson’s works are a blend of mastery, vision, and cultural depth.
His artistic influence has reached beyond Nigeria, extending into the corporate and creative worlds of the United States, where he once worked before returning home.
At this juncture, it is germane to ask, “Who Is Rauf Thompson?” In his own words, Thompson describes himself simply as “an artist by profession.”
He trained under the late Professor Yusuf Grillo, Nigeria’s celebrated painter, muralist, sculptor, and former Head of Fine Arts at Yabatech.
“I belong to the first set of 10 students who earned the Higher National Diploma in Fine Arts at Yabatech in 1974,” he recalled. “We were privileged to be taught and mentored thoroughly.”
His educational journey began in several primary schools between Lagos and Ibadan before continuing at Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo, Lagos where he was tutored in Fine Art by Mr James Nkobi.
After graduating from Yabatech, he was appointed an Education Officer with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, teaching art at Awori Ajeromi Grammar School, Agboju-Amuwo, from 1974 to 1984. He rose to the rank of Senior Tutor before branching into advertising.
Career In Advertising And Corporate Practice
Thompson transitioned from teaching to the advertising industry, beginning at “Mass Media Limited” as a Visualizer and Studio Group Head.
His career later took him to the United States, where he worked at “Red Lobster Inn” as an artist-visualizer. Although his ambition to further his studies in the U.S. was cut short by financial constraints, he returned to Nigeria and flourished in advertising.
Over the years, he held strategic roles at “Hawkson Advertising Ltd”, “ASDA Advertising Ltd”, and “Guy Saris Advertising”under the Ibru Group. Rising through the ranks, he served as Visualizer/Studio Head, Senior Client Service Manager, Deputy Account Manager, Senior Account Director, and eventually Account Director. From 2005 to 2008, he headed the agency before assuming his current role as Consultant to Ikeja Hotels Plc.
Exhibitions And Artistic Legacy
Despite his corporate responsibilities, Thompson never abandoned his first love; art. His journey has been punctuated by numerous exhibitions, both solo and group, within and outside Nigeria. His works have featured in: My Country Painting Competition (1973), June School of Arts Exhibition and Mural Painting, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Lagos Group Exhibitions, Festac Gong Gallery Group Exhibition, French Cultural Centre, Kofo Abayomi, Ikoyi , One-Man Exhibition, SNA/Goethe Institute Group Exhibition, Lagos State Arts and Cultural Exhibition and Houston, Texas Art Exhibition (USA).
Today, at 80 years old, Thompson runs his private gallery from his Ilasa residence. The space is filled with thought-provoking paintings such as Oro Aje (Trading), Loafers (Idle Hands), Amuludun (The Merrymakers), and Time for Prayer, among others.
“An artist can interpret a photograph in several ways,” he said. “My work reflects events, happenings, and thoughts about society. It is a mirror of the past, present, and future. For me, art is not just about fame or financial rewards, it nourishes the soul.”
Inspiration And Advocacy
Thompson explained that his inspiration comes from everyday life and human activities. “I don’t run around looking for subject matter. Society itself offers me what to paint,” he said.
He praised the management of Yabatech for maintaining high standards and reiterated his support for the institution’s long-sought upgrade to university status.
As Chairman of “Omode Gbon, Agba Gbon”, a group of senior artists committed to promoting exhibitions and mentoring younger talents, Thompson continues to contribute to Nigeria’s artistic landscape. The group, he revealed, is planning another major exhibition soon.
He also made a passionate appeal to the government at both state and federal levels to make “art education compulsory” in secondary schools from Junior Secondary School 1. “Art is not only a cultural tool,” he argued, “it is a developmental asset that shapes minds, builds tourism, and preserves history.”
For Rauf Thompson, art and tourism are inseparable. His life’s work demonstrates how paintings can tell stories, attract visitors, preserve heritage, and contribute to national pride. As he marks over 50 years of practice, his gallery remains a living testament to the enduring power of art in society.
