Adeyemi Oluwajuwonlo
Adeyemi Oluwajuwonlo, a talented artist from Ogun State, Nigeria, grew up in the vibrant city of Lagos. Her art is deeply inspired by the environment and reflects the stories, experiences, and societal issues faced by people. Adeyemi explores diverse painting mediums and incorporates discarded kegs into her works, transforming them into expressive faces. By repurposing waste materials, she not only creates compelling art but also contributes to reducing environmental pollution.
“My works demonstrate how I turn waste into meaningful art.”
Marie Carole Desiree Nassardine
Marie Carole Désirée Nassardine, is an emerging Ivorian artist based in Canada. With a master’s degree in Marketing and Design and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, she built a career spanning seven years in international trade, communication, and marketing before discovering her passion for painting.
Now a dedicated artist, Marie Carole specializes in creating intricate 2D and 3D artworks, often finished with resin for a polished and captivating effect. Her work draws inspiration from atypical characters and extraordinary events, infusing her pieces with a sense of uniqueness and depth.
Guided by the belief that “everything is spiritual before it manifests in the physical,” Marie Carole strives to capture the intangible—emotions, thoughts, and spiritual truths that transcend the visible world. Her goal is to create therapeutic art that resonates with the soul, bringing healing and connection to those who encounter it.
Keny Akpa
Keny Akpa, born in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, grew up in Abidjan, where she attended school and discovered her talent for drawing and painting. Her artistic journey began with recreating family photographs—a hobby that revealed her skills to loved ones but remained, at first, a casual pastime.
Her passion for painting deepened after moving to the United States to live with her sisters. As she built her own family, art became a transformative force in her life, opening new doors of self-discovery and expression. For Keny, painting is more than a creative outlet—it’s a way to explore and share the beauty of life’s adventure. Her artwork is deeply influenced by her moods, surroundings, and rich cultural upbringing.
“My paintings reflect my experiences and emotions. They capture how I see and feel life,” she explains. During the pandemic, being sheltered at home with her family offered her a unique opportunity to redefine her art and focus on her creative journey. Always eager to pick up her brush, Keny’s work continues to embody the stories and emotions that shape her life.
Adaugo Okenwa
Adaugo Okenwa, born in Lagos State and raised in Maitama, Abuja, is an artist and hairstylist currently residing in the UK, where she is pursuing her academic aspirations, including a PhD in Law. Her artistic style is rooted in geometric abstraction, characterized by a striking use of patterns, lines, shapes, and monochrome that make her work truly distinctive.
Adaugo draws inspiration from the challenges she has faced in life, as well as the beauty of nature and animals. Her art serves as a profound exploration of the complexities and wonders both within her mind and the world around her.
“My artwork is an exploration of the intricacies and beauty inside and outside my mind, and it brings me great joy when people get to experience it with me,” she shares. Through her creations, Adaugo invites others to connect with her unique perspective and celebrate the harmony of simplicity and depth in her work.
Akre Joelle
For Akre, art is a profound form of self-expression, enabling her to communicate thoughts and emotions that words often cannot capture. Over the years, she has shared much of her work through social media, using the platform to connect with others and showcase her creativity. She dreams of reaching a wider audience, a “greater platform” that will allow her art to soar and inspire far and wide.
“My artistic universe is inspired by abstract art and cubism, blended with vibrant colors to depict environmental and physical realities. I incorporate elements of the cartoon world, which evoke the child within me, and finish with an African touch—drawing on Ivorian masks and symbols of Africa,” she explains. Akre’s work is a unique fusion of cultural heritage, playful imagination, and artistic depth.
Zouho Priscilla
Zouho Priscilla, a 20-year-old Ivorian student based in Toulouse, France, is pursuing studies in social sciences, geography, and regional planning. A self-taught artist, Priscilla has been passionately drawing for several years. Her work focuses primarily on portraits of women, where she incorporates distinctive African elements, celebrating the beauty and richness of her heritage.
Tola Adejumo
Tola Adejumo, born and raised in Benue State and now residing in Abuja, Nigeria, is a registered photographer, student, and artist. He specializes in transforming live shots into captivating art by editing and printing them on canvas and wooden frames. His works reflect his unique perspective of the world, brought to life through his creative process.
“My craft is unique in appearance and durable. If you are a lover of art, I believe you will cherish them as much as I do. Welcome to my world of solace,” Tola shares. His art invites viewers to experience a blend of creativity, emotion, and timeless craftsmanship.
John Ayoyemi
John Ayoyemi is a talented self-taught photorealistic artist renowned for his ability to bring his subjects to life through meticulous shading and extraordinary attention to detail. His art captures emotions and tells compelling stories, highlighting his remarkable skill and creativity.
A graduate of Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria, with a B.Sc. in Banking and Finance, Ayoyemi has explored various artistic mediums, including paints and pens. However, his medium of choice is charcoal pencil, which he finds most captivating for creating lifelike representations and capturing reality on paper. To add depth and cultural richness to his work, he often incorporates acrylic paint and African patterns into the backgrounds of his pieces, blending realism with cultural artistry.
Peter Arte
Peter Eyinnaya Nwankwor, widely recognized as “Peter Arte,” is a contemporary Nigerian artist whose work explores the dynamic interplay of color, form, and emotion. Based in Abuja, Peter has forged a unique path in the world of visual expression, using both traditional and digital techniques to create artworks that transcend conventional boundaries. His pieces invite viewers into a realm where imagination thrives and the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.
A multidisciplinary artist, Peter Arte masterfully balances chaos and order in his creations. Through bold brushstrokes, intricate textures, and a meticulously curated color palette, he captures the complexity of human existence. His portraits are more than visual representations; they are profound compositions layered with meaning, offering an opportunity for deep reflection and connection. Each of Peter’s works is a testament to his innovative approach and his ability to breathe life into his artistic vision.
Kipré Paule Marianne
Kipré Paule Marianne, a pharmacy student of Ivorian origin living in Dakar, Senegal, has always turned to art as a means of self-expression and personal growth. Through her artistic journey, she has cultivated invaluable qualities such as patience, perseverance, and moderation.
Kipré began drawing at the age of five, and what started as a childhood hobby has evolved into a profound passion. Over the years, she has explored various techniques, from reproductions and acrylic painting to charcoal art. Most recently, she has embraced the exciting challenge of digital drawing, opening new creative horizons.
“It’s a new universe that I fully intend to explore, to share my work with the world, and to open new doors for myself,” Kipré shares. She is eager to contribute to the art world while enriching her own practice through the experiences and knowledge of others, reflecting her commitment to growth and collaboration.
Aziz Konda
Aziz Konda is a self-taught fine artist with roots in Ivory Coast, West Africa, and a upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio. His art seamlessly blends figurative and abstract themes, brought to life through his mastery of realism, surrealism, and cartoon-inspired styles. Aziz’s work reflects a unique fusion of cultural influences and artistic versatility, capturing the imagination and emotions of his audience.
Yaofranck
Yao Frank, a contemporary painter from Bouaké in the center of Côte d’Ivoire, chose his artist name as a tribute to his late father, who passed away too soon. Born in Yabaya in the Bas-Sassandra region, Yao’s early life was marked by displacement caused by the 2002 Ivorian war. He spent his childhood in Soubré, navigating the challenges of social-political crises and inter-ethnic conflicts that deeply influenced his perspective on life and art.
Despite the uncertainties that interrupted his education, Yao resumed his studies in 2015, enrolling in the Artistic Education High School (LEA), where he earned his BAC H1. He further honed his craft at the National School of Fine Arts (ENBA) in Abidjan and the Higher School of Plastic Arts in Architecture and Design (ESAPAD). There, he earned a DEAG (General Artistic Study Diploma), a bachelor’s degree in mural art, and a DESA (Higher Artistic Study Diploma).
Yao’s journey as an artist is a testament to resilience and determination. His turbulent experiences and the impact of socio-political unrest are vividly reflected in his works, which serve as both a personal expression and a voice for broader societal narratives.
Justin Luehr
Justin Luehr, an emerging self-taught artist from Portland, Oregon, creates compelling works that bridge modern contemporary art with elements of neo-expressionism. His art reflects a glimpse into the current state of humanity and society, drawing inspiration from everyday experiences and personal observations, both past and present.
Justin’s pieces are crafted using a diverse range of materials, including acrylic, ink, charcoal, and aerosols, often applied to large-scale canvases or recycled materials. His innovative use of mixed media and unique perspectives make his work both thought-provoking and visually striking.
“My aspirations for my art are to leave a legacy, to be featured in galleries alongside the greats who have inspired me, and to ensure that my work resonates with future generations,” Justin shares. His art serves as a testament to his ambition and vision for lasting impact.
Tetchi
Born on August 1, 1997, in Offa S/P Agboville, Côte d’Ivoire, Tetchi Yapi Jean Yves, known professionally as TETCHI, is a young artist-painter with a deep passion for visual storytelling. A graduate of the Ecole Supérieure des Arts Plastiques d’Architecture et de Design d’Abidjan (E.S.A.P.A.D.), where he specialized in painting, Tetchi now balances teaching plastic arts with his thriving artistic career in Abidjan.
Tetchi’s work explores the intricacies of human connections and emotions within society, serving as a visual commentary on the daily lives of people. He aims to bridge the growing divide brought on by individualism, questioning its roots and seeking ways to address this global concern. His art seeks to reunite humanity, promoting a more socially connected world.
Through his use of lines, Tetchi reveals the unseen—hidden influences and invisible emotional states, such as love, friendship, hatred, and hostility. These lines symbolize the zones of influence and the mental and emotional landscapes that define each individual. His work invites reflection on how we interact with one another and the invisible threads that connect us all.
Prohouly Eboua Joseph
Born in 1996 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Prohouly Eboua Joseph, known simply as PROHOULY, is an artist deeply rooted in his cultural heritage. Living and working in Abidjan, he centers his artistic practice on the representation of sacred “Godié” masks, positioning himself as a guardian and last representative of this rich tradition. His work serves as a poignant call to “return to the sources,” reviving ancestral entities and faces that have faded over time.
Prohouly breathes new life into these sacred symbols by blending the rustic forms of traditional masks with the originality and perspectives of the modern era. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, he integrates themes, materials, and elements from his environment into his creations, forging a bridge between past and present. Through his art, Prohouly preserves and reimagines a vital piece of Ivorian culture, ensuring its legacy endures in a contemporary context.
KEZE
Light. n.m. (Fongbe language) — It is within the radiant fragments of the sun at its zenith that Keze discovers the energy he channels into his art. This transformative light first revealed itself to him during a walk through the Cotonou Crafts Promotion Center. Immersed in the arts and traditions surrounding him, Keze began building an imaginative world brimming with vibrant colors and profound meaning.
His curiosity and early creations led him to the bustling streets of Abidjan, where he refined and expanded his artistic universe. Through his work, Keze offers a deeply immersive experience, inviting viewers to close their eyes and journey into the invisible. His art encourages introspection, unlocking emotions that evoke a profound sense of freedom and connection to one’s inner self.
Alex-Brandon Brou Kadjo
Alex-Brandon Brou Kadjo, a self-taught artist born on July 22, 1998, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, embarked on his artistic journey at an early age. At just 8 years old, he painted his first wooden canvas, sparking a passion for art that would resurface later in life. Despite his early talent, a lack of encouragement caused art to fade into the background, relegated to occasional sketches without deeper exploration.
At 21, while living in Lille, France, Alex-Brandon experienced a profound wave of nostalgia for his first painting. This moment reignited his passion for art, compelling him to create as a means of expression and connection. “I felt an irresistible calling to art, so powerful it left me breathless if I didn’t create,” he recalls. From that point, he fully embraced his craft.
Deeply inspired by everyday life, spirituality, and meditation, Alex-Brandon’s work reflects his personal journey of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. His vibrant abstract paintings, primarily created with acrylic, explore the evolving interplay of colors and forms, mirroring his shifting perceptions of the world. Each piece is a testament to his growth and a bridge for forging connections with others through art.
Christine Monteiro
Christine Monteiro, a Senegalese artist of Cape Verdean origin, found her voice and confidence through art. Originally taking up painting as a way to overcome her shyness, Christine discovered its transformative power to express her innermost thoughts with courage and authenticity. Her art not only transcends borders, reaching audiences far beyond her home, but also serves as a therapeutic outlet, helping her manage anxiety and embrace a fuller, more balanced life.
“Art allows me to bring out my inner self-thoughts,” Christine shares. “Nature gives back what it has, and each of us sees life in our own unique way. The colors and movements in my work reflect my emotions, changing from day to day. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL—look at the way I see it in my art.” Her vibrant creations are a celebration of life, seen through the lens of her ever-evolving emotional journey.
Yasmine Boudabès Sako
Yasmine Boudabès Sako, a 25-year-old Ivorian, is a Juris Doctor student at the University of Ottawa in Canada. Born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, Yasmine discovered her love for art at the age of 6 or 7, when she began drawing clothes with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Over the years, her passion for art grew, encompassing not just design but also drawing and, more recently, painting.
After arriving in Canada in 2021 to continue her law studies, Yasmine began painting as a hobby, adding to her artistic repertoire, which already included sewing, clothing design, and creating hyperrealistic portraits with charcoal, pencil, and graphite. Sharing her work on social media, she has started to connect with a broader audience.
Deeply personal and introspective, Yasmine’s paintings are vibrant representations of her thoughts and emotions. Each piece captures a specific moment, stage, or situation in her life, offering viewers a glimpse into her story. “Every piece you see is a page of my story, a part of me open to you,” she says, inviting others to experience her journey through her art.
Emmanuel Adeyemi Adebayo
Emmanuel Adeyemi Adebayo, born on May 1, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria, carries forward a rich artistic legacy inherited from his father, a former artist whose career was curtailed by life’s challenges. Growing up in his grandparents’ home, where he still lives and works, Emmanuel found inspiration in the remnants of his father’s creations and began teaching himself to draw and paint.
Initially pursuing Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, Emmanuel ultimately chose to leave academia and embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. This decision led him to Bariga, Lagos, where he began collecting discarded plastic materials by day and transforming them into evocative works of art by night. His innovative approach to upcycling found objects resonated with audiences, earning him recognition from media outlets, galleries, and art enthusiasts alike.
Emmanuel’s body of work spans both painting and sculpture, characterized by dynamic forms and shapes that invite active engagement and reflection. His art challenges perspectives, encouraging viewers to reconsider their perceptions and ignite new cycles of thought. His exhibitions have been featured in prestigious venues such as Rele Gallery, Retro Africa, the Brazilian Consulate, State Houses in Nigeria, and Galerie Medina in Mali. Additionally, he has shared his insights through talks at media organizations and academic institutions.
With a vision for creating “a better space for all,” Emmanuel aims to continue expanding his artistic practice while inspiring and educating others. His journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a profound commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and its impact on society.
Jeremiah Karen
Born in 1998 in Côte d’Ivoire, Jeremiah Karen is a photographer of Ivorian-Ghanaian heritage currently based in Toulouse, France. Her passion for photography was inspired by her father, who introduced her to the art form at a young age. Over the years, Jeremiah has used photography as a powerful medium to explore and address both personal and societal issues, offering a unique perspective influenced by her cultural heritage and life experiences.
Jeremiah’s artistic journey has been multifaceted. After spending two years studying Chartered Accountancy, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Marketing and a Master’s in Digital Strategy Management. She is now honing her craft at ETPA, a renowned photography school in Toulouse, where she continues to evolve as a practicing photographer.
Through her lens, Jeremiah seeks to tell stories that provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and celebrate the richness of human experience. Her work is a testament to her dedication to blending artistry with purpose, creating images that resonate deeply with her audience.
Aragbada Stephen
Aragbada Stephen (b. 1993) is a highly skilled and expressive visual artist specializing in painting, with a deep passion for exploring the beauty and complexity of the human experience. His artistic journey began in childhood, driven by an insatiable desire to create and innovate. Stephen continually refines his craft by embracing new ideas, concepts, and collaborations with fellow artists, pushing the boundaries of his creative expression.
Stephen holds a National Diploma (N.D.) in Fine Art from The Polytechnic of Ibadan and further honed his skills through training at the Universal Studios of Art in Iganmu, Lagos. He later earned a B.A. in Fine Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University. Today, he works as a full-time studio artist, dedicating his practice to celebrating African heritage and human connection.
Focusing on moments and natural phenomena that define human life from colonial times to the present, Stephen’s art places a strong emphasis on the celebration of black skin and the positive representation of Africans and the diaspora. His paintings use vibrant colors and intricate drawings to document and preserve memories, offering viewers a profound sense of relatability and connection.
Stephen’s works have been showcased in galleries across Nigeria and internationally, earning him recognition from private collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. With his unique style and powerful storytelling, Stephen continues to make waves in the fine art world, standing out as a rising star with a meaningful message.
Yegra's
Yegra is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and spiritual inspiration. Drawing from verses in the Bible, Yegra creates art that resonates with believers and serves as a visual reminder of God’s word in everyday life. His mission is to make scripture more accessible to those with busy lives by presenting it through meaningful art displayed in homes, offices, and other personal spaces, providing inspiration and upliftment.
Yegra’s creative process is fueled by personal moments of reflection and Bible study, with each piece reflecting his faith and dedication to sharing the message of Christ. His art stands as a powerful frontier for spreading the Gospel, encouraging viewers to connect with their spirituality and draw closer to God. Through his work, Yegra invites audiences to experience faith in a new and profound way.
Gopré Thierry Livasse
Gopré Thierry Livasse, a contemporary painter from Côte d’Ivoire, was born in Oumé, in the southwest of the country. A graduate of the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Abidjan, Gopré now lives and works in the vibrant Ivorian capital, where he continues to refine his artistic exploration of identity and human experience.
In a world defined by constant change, Gopré’s work delves into the fleeting nature of human and social identity. His art captures the delicate moments where identities are constructed and deconstructed, mirroring the rapid transformations of modern society. Fascinated by the ephemeral essence of individual and collective experiences, he employs recurring motifs such as butterflies, leaves, and falling flowers to symbolize the transient nature of human identity.
Through his thought-provoking pieces, Gopré invites viewers to reflect on the evolution of societies and the fragility of identity. His work underscores the beauty and complexity of our passage through time, encouraging an awareness of both personal and collective transformation. With each piece, Gopré offers a poignant meditation on the impermanence of life and the profound depth of our shared human journey.
Paul Adjei
Paul Adjei, born on September 25, 1980, in Kumasi, Ghana, is an acclaimed artist renowned for his versatility and mastery of 3D paintings, watercolors, realism, abstract art, landscapes, and intricate village scenes. His work draws deeply from the essence of life, exploring themes of human behavior, religion, and the pivotal role of women in African society. He often uses earthy tones such as brown, green, yellow ochre, gray, black, and white, creating art that feels grounded and profoundly connected to his cultural roots.
Paul’s artistic journey began at Datus Complex School in Accra, continued at Osei Tutu Senior High School, and culminated at Ghanatta College of Art and Design, where he graduated in 2002. Since then, he has pursued art professionally, developing a distinctive style that reflects the beauty of life, culture, and God’s creation. His paintings celebrate the richness of nature and the intricate tapestry of African life.
With a career spanning over 23 years, Paul has showcased his work in numerous exhibitions across Ghana and internationally. His art has found homes in the UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and beyond. His clientele includes prominent figures such as politicians, presidents, parliamentarians, doctors, and business leaders.
A skilled muralist and painter, Paul describes art as life itself, a gift he attributes to God, the ultimate Creator. Through his work, he shares this divine inspiration with the world, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity, culture, and faith.
Maria
Maria is a proud Afro-Latina from the Bronx, raised by two immigrant parents in lower-income communities. In an environment where art was neither prioritized nor offered as a career option, it was never part of her education or seen as essential. Yet, art found Maria when she needed it the most. It became her refuge, allowing her to process complex emotions and serving as a powerful tool for problem-solving. The act of creating drew Maria in, teaching her valuable lessons along the way. Through art, she learned acceptance and discovered that change is not something to fear but to embrace. Most importantly, Art taught Maria that perfection is not the goal and that imperfection is beautiful
