Mayowa Nwadike

“My art is a conversation with myself about my perception of the world around me. By close observation, I draw inspiration from people’s behavior (including mine) under different circumstances we find ourselves in and notice how we often choose to act based on emotions that are either under-expressed or overly exaggerated; very rarely do you find a middle ground. My goal as an artist is to capture these various emotions expressed without a word, which most times go unnoticed by these individuals, and tell stories that challenge the societal norm on what the human mind has been conditioned to see as right and wrong. By using different layers of acrylic paint and charcoal on canvas, I bring together two bold mediums and have them superimposed in such a way that one doesn’t bleed over the other thus creating a level of reality as perceived from my close observation.” www.mayowanwadike.com / Instagram: 6th.kl

Mayowa Nwadike (VIth) (b. 1998) is a Nigerian artist who has been inspired to create from a young age. He began painting professionally in 2018 and is a self-taught talent. Nwadike is primarily a mixed-media painter, utilizing acrylic and charcoal to create his sizable works. Focusing predominantly on realism with elements of abstraction, his works are descriptive, not narrative, driven by African stories and symbolism. Through his work, Mayowa pushes back on societal norms and toxic masculinity, provoking the viewer to consider their relationship to social issues. He hopes his works help men embrace their femininity. Mayowa is a lover and seeker of beauty in all respects, with interests in writing, interior design, and photography. He moved to America in 2021, seeking the freedom and ability to express himself and to build an avenue to continue making art.

I have never sold any pictures and don’t want to. The trouble with making a living from painting is that to sell you have to pander to popular taste.

- Nadia Wamunyu