Introduction:
Emmanuel Eweje is a full-time multidisciplinary artist based in Lagos, Nigeria, whose work bridges memory, culture, and emotion. With a practice that flows across drawing, acrylic painting, and thread painting, Eweje’s creations are deeply symbolic and richly textured. His art thoughtfully explores identity, community, and the human experience, blending intricate detail with bold expression.
Eweje masterfully moves between the intimate and the universal, using visual language to tell stories that are both rooted in heritage and resonant across borders. Let’s step into Eweje’s world; where line, texture, and meaning converge to form powerful visual narratives that linger long after the gaze has shifted.
Artist Bio:
Emmanuel Eweje is a contemporary visual artist based in Lagos, Nigeria, whose multidisciplinary practice explores themes of memory, identity, and cultural symbolism. Born in Agbeye, Osun State, and trained at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Eweje works across drawing, acrylic painting, and thread painting, crafting intricate, emotionally resonant pieces that reflect his heritage and environment.
His dedication to artistic excellence has earned him multiple recognitions, including the Next Rated Star Award in the Art category, and honors from the National Visual Art Competition and LEAP Africa Art Competition. His work has been exhibited both locally and internationally, including at the Connect Residency/Exhibition in Chicago and the Spanish Embassy Art Competition.
Beyond the studio, Eweje is an Arts in Medicine Fellow, art educator, and muralist with the House of Bezalel Mural and Graffiti Artist Collective, using art as a tool for healing, education, and public expression. Featured on platforms like triBBBal, his practice continues to bridge personal narrative with broader cultural dialogue - making him a dynamic and evolving voice in Nigerian contemporary art.
Q and A Segment with Emmanuel Eweje
Q1. What was your earliest moment of creating art?
One of my earliest memories of creating art is making crafts with my mother. I was deeply influenced by her small-scale business in textile weaving and crocheting. It was always a joy for me to do the cleanup chores, as they afforded me close contact with the textiles and the opportunity to collect colorful fabric scraps that were otherwise considered waste. I remember making collages and paintings from these discarded pieces. Those moments sparked a lifelong passion for art and creativity in me.
Q2. Growing up in Osun state and studying at OAU, how did your environment shape your artistic voice?
Growing up in Osun State, I was surrounded by artists and a rich cultural heritage and traditions that deeply influenced my artistic voice. The vibrant colors, patterns, and motifs of Yoruba culture on Adire fabrics inspired my use of bold colors in my art. Studying at OAU allowed me to tap into the university's creative community and explore various artistic mediums. My environment shaped my artistic voice by instilling in me a sense of pride in my cultural heritage and encouraging me to express it through my art.
Q3. What was your role at Nike Art Center? What was the biggest lesson you took from your time there?
As an art instructor at the Nike Center for Art and Culture, I developed and taught art programs that catered to diverse groups, including children, youths, women, widows, and widowers. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of volunteerism in community development and the value of art in bringing people together. I saw firsthand how art can be a transformative force in people’s lives, and I learned that making it accessible to everyone is crucial for building a more vibrant and inclusive community.
Q4. Your pieces blend figurative storytelling with rich textures. How do you begin building a piece?
When starting a new piece, I often begin with a concept or story I want to convey, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, observations, or themes that resonate with me. I start by sketching rough ideas and compositions, which helps me visualize the narrative and determine the placement of characters and objects on a brown (soil-colored) primed surface. I often prefer this soil-brown base, as it draws inspiration from the biblical creation of man by God from the soil.
As I work on the piece, I gradually build up color, lines, and meaning. The end result is a richly textured artwork that tells a story, evokes emotion, and invites the viewer to explore and interpret the narrative in their own way. Through this process, I aim to create complex and thought-provoking works that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Title: Brothers in Sync
Click to buy:
https://tribbbal.com/post/125013_brothers-in-sync.html
Q5. Your titles are often poetic; what inspired them?
My poetic titles are often inspired by the emotional resonance of the piece, the themes and narratives that emerge during the creative process.
Q6. Among the pieces you have created like “Catch Them Young” and “Drown in Hope” which one carries the most personal weight for you and why?
Catch Them Young" is a title that resonates deeply with me, rooted in my passion for nurturing young minds and talents. Growing up in a religious background specifically the Cherubim and Seraphim Church where children are taught various skills, including how to play musical instruments from an early age, I was inspired by the value of early childhood education and development.
The title reflects my belief in the importance of introducing children to new experiences, skills, and values at a young age, allowing them to grow and flourish. It serves as a reminder that the early years are critical in shaping a child’s future and that with the right guidance and support, every child has the potential to thrive.
Title: Catch Them Young
Click to buy:
https://tribbbal.com/post/12334_catch-them-young.html
Q7. Have you participated in any group or solo art exhibition? how did it shape your path?
Yes, I have participated in group art exhibitions, and it has been a valuable experience that helped me gain confidence in my artistic abilities, connect with other artists and art enthusiasts, and refine my style through constructive critiques. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my work, learn from others, and grow as an artist.
Q8. Have you ever experienced any creative block? If yes, what does it feel like for you? and how did you move past it?
I’ve definitely experienced creative blocks, often coupled with other critical challenges in my artistic journey, which at times made me consider giving up art for another career. During those moments, every attempt to create something new felt forced or unoriginal. I was able to overcome this by taking a step back to clear my mind, exploring new mediums or techniques to reignite inspiration, seeking out new experiences and influences, and setting small, achievable goals to build momentum. By doing so, I’m usually able to break through the block and reconnect with my creative flow.
Q9. Where do you see your work evolving in the next 5 years; medium wise or theme-wise?
In the next 5 years, I see my work evolving in both medium and theme. Medium-wise, I'm interested in exploring more on metal sculptures to create innovative and immersive experiences. Theme-wise, I see myself delving deeper into themes of identity, culture, and social justice, using my art to spark meaningful conversations and connections. I'm excited to push boundaries and experiment with new ways to convey my message, ultimately creating a more impactful and thought-provoking body of work.
Title: Timeless Ties
Click to buy:
https://tribbbal.com/post/125012_timeless-ties.html
Conclusion:
Through his bold use of mediums, deep cultural insight, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, Emmanuel Eweje continues to shape a narrative that is both personal and profoundly universal. His work stands as a testament to the power of art to heal, educate, and connect transcending borders and sparking meaningful dialogue. As he carves his path in the contemporary art world, Eweje invites us to see, feel, and reflect challenging us to engage more deeply with the stories that shape our identities and communities.
To learn more about Emmanuel Eweje, please visit his profile:
