Talented women in the Arts

The Arts profession in Nigeria, until recently was dominated by men, but now, women are making their mark in the profession as well. There are a number of very creative and talented women in the art world. Here, we take a look at a number of female artists and how far they have come. Njideka […]

The Arts profession in Nigeria, until recently was dominated by men, but now, women are making their mark in the profession as well. There are a number of very creative and talented women in the art world. Here, we take a look at a number of female artists and how far they have come.

Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Crosby, the daughter of the late NAFDAC boss and minister of information, Dora Akunyili, is a visual artist. Though originally from Enugu State, she is based in California in the United States. She combines her Nigerian culture with that of her new home, America, to create great art pieces in form of drawings, painting, collage and photo transfers.

Her unique pieces depict people experiencing both social and political issues alike. She said several people, especially Classic and contemporary painters influenced her career. Njideka’s style is different as she layers personal pictures and some from Nigerian magazines and transfers them onto paper. 

Yagazie Emezi

Yagazie Emezi is a documentary photographer with the purpose of preserving African culture. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, she returned to Nigeria as a Visual Curator for Bialere, a digital platform which focuses on showcasing young African creatives. Relearning Bodies is Yagazie’s ongoing project. It targets trauma survivors in West Africa and the roles the community and society play in their adjustment. Her work has been commissioned by a number of Nigerian and international companies, including, The Guardian (Nigeria), Huffington Post, AlJazeera, Union Bank, Essence Magazine and MTV.

Ayebola Kekere-Ekun

She is a paper artist based in Lagos State. She commenced her career in art during her undergraduate days through experimentation. Ayebola’s form of art has been described as “mixed media”. She uses materials like paper, fabrics, acrylic and spray paints. She said she chose paper due to its versatility. Lina Victor, Peju Alatise, Yinka Shonibare and Kara Walker influenced her work.

Nina Fabunmi

Fabunmi is another extraordinary artist, who is into almost everything from painting, sculpting, drawing, poetry to illustrations. Her interest in the arts began from a tender age of six, when she drew exceptional pieces with her colouring pencils. She got her inspiration from her father who was an architect. Nina expresses herself through arts. She is very well accomplished with many awards to her name. She won the Bold Brush painting contest in 2013 and two honorable mentions in the Turner painting contest. She was also a semifinalist at the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series. She draws influence from African colours, patterns and symbols. Nina had an active studio practice at the largest artist community in the United States.

Stacey Okparavero

This is a lady with multiple talents. She is an artist; a painter to be specific, yoga instructor and a curator.  She is a popular name in the Lagos art industry. A young and eccentric personality, she uses yoga not only for mindful living but to give more fluid to her art. Stacey was also a finalist in the National Art Competition in 2015. She has proven to be exceptionally talented and willing to go the extra mile. Her journey in the industry has been experimental in every sense of the world, but worth it. Her mentor is Professor Bruce Onabrakpeya. 

Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu

Yadichinma is an artist who has spent most of her life in Lagos State. The 21-year-old expresses herself through paintings, drawings, photography and collage. Art makes it easy for her to explore conflicting feelings. She ensures that every work is unique in itself.  Her work aims at pushing people to look outside the box and to be aware of the creativity around them. The flexibility of her art sets her apart. She makes use of the simplest things and gives meaning to them from the colours to the lines.