ARTIST STATEMENTMy work centers on the human figure as a vessel for narrative storytelling. Using emotionally resonant color palettes, bold brush strokes, and stark lighting, I aim to capture the essence of each subject, revealing the unspoken narratives all people carry. As an African American artist of Nigerian descent, my work also explores the connections between my personal and familial history, and the collective memory throughout the African diaspora, creating real and imagined settings that bridge the diaspora back to the continent.
I believe portraiture at its most powerful goes beyond likeness to reveal something universal about the human experience. Each face becomes a mirror reflecting human’s shared emotional landscape. In capturing individuals, I hope to create work that feels deeply personal yet universally recognizable.
I work primarily with acrylics, oils, and pastels. As a self-taught artist, I embrace the freedom that comes from forging my own artistic path. I continue to develop my practice dedicating several studio hours each week to original works, and taking live painting and drawing classes at The Art Students League in New York. I also host weekly self-study sessions learning techniques and motifs utilized by contemporary Black and African artists.
Alongside my personal practice, I serve as studio assistant to New York artist and art educator Konstance Patton. In this role, I assist on large-scale mural projects, host weekly open studios and workshops for all ages, and organize the recurring "Anagram Art Salon" series that brings together artists and community members for intimate dialogue about art's role in society.
My artistic practice is an ongoing exploration that deliberates the complexity of being human. I hope my art sparks both joy and contemplation, inviting viewers to connect with each face depicted in my paintings and imagine the untold stories within.