MEET
Emmanuel Ojebola
Emmanuel Ojebola is a talented artist from southwest Nigeria, born in Eruwa, Oyo State, in the late 1990s. His artistic journey began during his junior secondary school days at Baptist Model High School Sango, Eruwa, where a creative art teacher nurtured his passion for art. He later refined his craft at The Ibarapa Polytechnic Eruwa, focusing on mixed media, including coffee, acrylic, and oil, to explore human emotions and life's complexities.
Emmanuel’s practice extends beyond painting; he also delves into photography, capturing the raw emotions and essence of his subjects through the eloquence of the body and the language of the eyes. Blending realism with abstract elements, his work is deeply influenced by personal experiences, particularly the resilience of women, inspired by his journey with his mother through challenging times. Drawing from classical and contemporary influences, including Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, Emmanuel infuses his art with a unique blend of timeless and modern aesthetics.
As a full-time studio artist, Emmanuel’s work has been featured in notable exhibitions such as Emergence at Alexis Gallery, Lagos (2021), and Our Many Colours at Art Pantheon Gallery (2022). His art has gained international recognition, with pieces represented on platforms like Artsper.
His creative focus often celebrates the vibrant tradition of masquerades, portraying them as symbols of cultural continuity and resilience. His works highlight the aesthetic richness and therapeutic significance of masquerades, reflecting their role as a connection to heritage and ancestors. Emmanuel’s art calls for a renewed appreciation of this cultural legacy, countering the unjust neglect and demonization it sometimes faces. He believes art has the power to inspire positive change, transcending borders to promote resilience, independence, and a deeper connection to cultural roots in the modern world.
