MEET
Osifeso Ezekiel
Osifeso Ezekiel (b. 1992, Lagos) is a contemporary Nigerian artist known for his evolving visual language that bridges Fauvism, impressionist realism, and satirical portraiture. Originally from Ogun State, Ezekiel began creating art early in life, supported by parents who nurtured his talent. He holds a degree in Visual Arts from the University of Lagos and deepened his craft through an internship at Estúdios Universais de Arte, a formative experience that helped shape both his technique and conceptual vision.
Ezekiel’s career is marked by distinct phases. His early “Societal Scribbles” series reflected social commentary through expressionist brushwork and monochromatic palettes, shaped by material limitations and influenced by Nigerian masters like Edosa Oguigo and Sam Ebohon. As his access to materials expanded, so did his palette and ambition, evolving into Fauvist and Impressionist-Realist works characterized by energetic colour and strong narrative intent.
One of his most resonant bodies of work, the “Clown Series,” satirizes contemporary society by blending the facial features of everyday individuals with clown iconography, turning portraiture into a sharp reflection on modern absurdities and social contradictions.
His latest series, titled “The Unfinished Business,” returns to a limited colour palette and semi-completed portraits, focusing on Africa’s youth and the notion of ongoing transformation. Through these open-ended compositions, Ezekiel challenges the viewer to reflect on identity, ambition, and the tension between history and future.
His work has been exhibited in major galleries across Nigeria, including Mydrim Gallery (“Generations”), Relé Gallery (“Young Contemporaries” & “The Conversation”), and Thought Pyramid Art Centre (“Next of Kin”), placing him among the most compelling voices in emerging African art.
Currently based in Ibafo, Ogun State, Osifeso Ezekiel continues to push visual boundaries while telling nuanced, layered stories of African experience through colour, form, and metaphor.
