MEET
Usman Semiu Alvin
Usman Semiu Alvin is a Nigerian visual artist based in Benin City, whose work bridges the timeless strength of African heritage with the expressive force of contemporary impressionist realism. Born in Ugbenor village, in the Uzairue clan of Edo State, and raised in the dynamic city of Warri, Alvin’s journey into art began early and was shaped by the diversity of his surroundings.
He formally studied painting at the School of Art and Industrial Design at Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, where he refined his technical skill and visual storytelling. Today, he is known for his figurative acrylic paintings that celebrate Black skin with depth, dignity, and grace.
Each of Alvin’s canvases is a tribute to the beauty, resilience, and cultural pride of African people. His signature style, grounded in impressionistic realism, captures both the physical presence and inner strength of his subjects. Through colour, light, and gesture, he creates emotionally resonant portraits that serve as powerful affirmations of identity.
Usman Semiu Alvin’s work continues to inspire and connect audiences across generations — honouring the past while contributing to the future of contemporary African art.