In Here Your Unveiling
2022
Acrylic Paint, silicon oil, & modeling paste on wood flooring
3.7 ft x 6.6 ft
An abstracted five panel painting that reimagines the natural foliage of our planet and contemplates its relationship with our current industrialized societies. It presents to the viewers a vision of what that relationship could still look like today.
Ode to She
2022
Mixed media on canvas
24” x 36”
A mixed media work that contrasts the fragility and strong impression of the black woman in African cultures. The figure is shown donning metal ringed necklaces- a symbolic representation of wealth and beauty, as well as an aid to ward off evil spirits, gold earrings, and gold drips from her being. However, she is shrouded and surrounded by chaos that cannot easily be separated from her. The painful reality of the weight of the gold she bears.
2022
Acrylic paint, chalk pastel & floral wire on canvas
25” x 36”
The second installment of The EthNic Man, 2021 (Videography), this piece comments on the struggles of holding up a traditional African identity while being exposed to a western mindset. It explores the topic of dual identity as a Nigerian- Canadian and how stifling it can be to represent both sides equally, while not feeling truly in touch with neither.
The EthNic Man, stifled
From within, and below
2022
Mixed media on canvas
20” x 24”
A mixed media piece that explores themes of dentity, embodiment, nature and their interconnections with each other.
Radiant (on her knees)
2021
Mixed media on canvas panel
11” x 14”
Collage-painting centers around the topic of the artist’s Nigerian Canadian identity, and the struggles that play a part in representing both cultures. Both Canadian and African motifs are incorporated. At first glance the female figure is adorned in jewelry, oozing gold from her limbs, and kneeling in ‘grass’ (kente clothing patterns, she almost seems goddess-like, but the disarray surrounding her slowly becomes clearer. The hazardous style of the brushstrokes contrasts the peacefulness we see at first. Overall, the more we look the stiffer the figure appears, as if she is rooted in place.
Ker Kente
2021
Acrylic paint & marker on canvas
16” x 20”
Inspired by some prominent abstractionists from Nigeria, this painting is influenced by traditional patterning and folklore. In the background the mimicry of the kente cloth pattern can be seen. This cloth comes from a textile practice that originated in Ghana centuries ago. The fabric has come to symbolize cultural affiliations from West Africa across the diaspora. Historically the fabric was worn in a toga-like fashion by royalty among ethnic groups including the Ewe and Ashanti.
Persons, and Mirrored Views
2022
Acrylic & modeling paste on wood panel
11” x 14”
A conjunction of distinct and contrasting elements, textures and coulours that step away from traditional representation, in exploring ideas of identity and self-presentation.
Strain
2021
Mixed media on wood
75.5“ x 30“
Confronted with a black woman tied down; alluding to the way black women fight the pressures of presenting themselves. She is wrapped taut, rooted in place by expectations, worries, and pressures- both good and bad.
Holding on to last
2021
Mixed media on canvas
11” x 14”
A feeling of release and freedom grounded in nature. On its own the colours and textures work together, but are not overbearing.
Obirin
2019
Acrylic paint on canvas
16” x 20”
Obirin means 'Woman' in Yoruba. This painting portrays a Nigerian woman as she is dressed in traditional head attire, jewelry, and face paint. She confronts the viewers with a strong gaze and adorns the jewelry and colors that represent her heritage. It shows the strength and beauty these black women carry within themselves despite modern-day struggles.
Falling Ocean
2019
Acrylic paint on canvas
64” x 64”
A piece that holds social and environmental themes as it uses the contrasting colors of vibrant white, blues, yellows, and oranges vs dirty greens, dark blues and reds to portray corruption. This work follows the theme of corruption in the sense of both innocence, as well as pollution of the earth. This is shown in the movement of the painting, the dirtier greens, blues, reds are seen to be pushing against the cleaner mixes of blues and whites.
VinSon
2019
Mixed Media on Wood
40” x 40”
Self-portrait using text and textiles to convey aspects of my life at the time.