Emmanuel M. Yeku – Nigerian Figurative Artist | Afrikanizm Art

Local Champion: Reborn II Emmanuel Yeku - Afrikanizm

Local Champion II

€1.115,00

"My artworks depict human figurative images, of which most are dressed in modern - classical costumes and hairstyles, to portray the past and present of the human experience."

MEET

Emmanuel Yeku

Emmanuel M. Yeku, born in the vibrant coastal town of Abeokuta, Ogun State, is a rising voice in contemporary African figurative art. With a background rooted in both intuition and formal training, Yeku stands out for his ability to bridge tradition and modernity, reflecting the complexities of human experience through oil and acrylic painting.

Yeku’s practice centres on the human form, explored through recurring series that delve into the rhythms of daily life, ancestral memory, and inner transformation. His work is visually defined by a compelling contrast: modern-classical costumes and hairstyles adorn his subjects, creating a dialogue between eras and evoking timelessness. This distinct visual code elevates his paintings beyond portraiture, turning them into layered reflections on African cultural identity, memory, and the evolution of self.

A full-time studio artist, Yeku works with intention and precision. Each series is a deep exploration of his own inner world and a mirror for societal dynamics. His use of colour and composition taps into the therapeutic potential of visual storytelling, offering his audience a space for introspection and healing. Through his canvases, he addresses themes of resilience, transformation, and collective heritage — positioning his work at the intersection of African traditional aesthetics and contemporary painting practice.

Yeku’s creative journey began unexpectedly during his time at the Federal College of Education, Osiele, where criticism sparked his determination to master drawing and painting. He later specialised in painting and embraced the studio as both sanctuary and laboratory for his artistic evolution.

His work has been showcased in exhibitions such as Strokes and Colours (GAIA House, Lagos, 2022) and The Is Never Gone (Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, 2020), gaining recognition for its soulful narrative style and figurative depth.

Today, Emmanuel M. Yeku continues to evolve as one of Nigeria’s most promising figurative painters, capturing the beauty, struggle, and resilience embedded in the African spirit. His art invites us to look inward, forward, and beyond, embracing the boundless creativity within us all.

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