Ken Nwadiogbu | Artist

Tell us about yourself

My name is Ken Nwadiogbu, from Anambra State and born 1994 in Lagos State, Nigeria. I am a visual artist whose practice is primarily centered around hyper-realistic drawings and works on paper. I hold a B.Sc in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. 

How did your passion for art begin? Where did you learn to be an artist?
 

I'm a self-taught artist, My art career started at the university, and with no formal training, has pushed me to become a professional artist. With lots of practice, patience, and persistence, my art has grown from the "random sketches on exercise books" to being showcased in galleries and showcased around the world.

What is the art community like in Nigeria?

The art community in Nigeria is a work in progress. There's so much growth now, compared to five years ago. There's so much attention given to visual artists, tho there's a large room for improvement. I'm eager to see the Nigerian art world become a magnet for art enthusiasts and collectors around the world, as well as international media platforms.

How can people support artists like yourself?

There's a lot to say I say in my art. Most times, the most amazing reason of why I create what I create is to say something. Because to me, the society speaks, it's left for us to listen, and in most cases reply. I'm fond of replying through my art. So the best way to loud my reply is when media houses can take my voice and spread it to the world; to bring consciousness to the things I'm eager to say. Same with most artists like me, they just want to be heard. To know they are speaking and the world is listening. Then also, for the arts to be showcased and purchased. 

What advice would you give to other artists who want their work to stand out?

To be very original. Very very original. Your voice. Your mic. Your art.

What makes your original?

My works are not just original because of my ability to create large hyper-realistic works with a charcoal pencil and an illusion of a 3-dimensional paper tear, but also my desperate approach to question life, calling out some of the problems and becoming very grounded in human consciousness; creating constructive discourses that define our everyday living and advocating positive changes in the society.

Instagram: @kennwadiogbu

Twitter: @kennwadiogbu

Facebook: Ken Nwadiogbu

Website: www.kennwadiogbu.com