Refuge in Community

BIO

Ekene Ngige Known as “The Coffee Artist” is from Anambra state but based in Lagos. He is specialized in creating master pieces with Coffee, A graduate of Fine Art from the prestigious School of Art and Design, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. He was of a member of the final class of Professor Kolade Oshinowo. 

He discovered Coffee painting in 2015 after a coffee spill on his note pad inspired him to create artworks with the beverage, Ever since then Ekene has been globally known for his Unique coffee pieces.

From highlighting the plight of impoverished children, to depicting vivid drawings of female empowerment as well as putting a spotlight on the series of violent attacks taking place across Nigeria, Ngige sees his art as more than just paintings to be enjoyed but rather a way of telling important African stories and creating awareness as a form of activism promoting peace and unity in Nigeria.

Ngige's previous exhibitions include: Coffee meets art 2014, It's all about eve 2016, Coffee festival 2019 Felabration 2019, Impart art fair 2019, Different strokes 2019 and The dove series 2021.

BIO

Tochukwu Orazulike (b. 1966) employs contemporary

elements to create surreal images that engage the senses

and serves as a vehicle for raising awareness about

societal issues. His works represent a juxtaposition of bliss

and struggle, and thought-provoking imagery that evokes

deep emotions. His proficiency shines through in his

masterful use of waves of spray paints, expertly marbled

onto canvas, harmoniously merging with oil and acrylics.

Tochukwu has garnered recognition through his

participation in prominent group exhibitions, including

'Undiscovered' at Thought Pyramid Lagos 2023.

Additionally, he participated in the successful 'SOGAL

African Original Contemporary & Modern Art Auction 2023'

at the Signature Beyond Art Gallery. He has also been

featured in notable residencies such as the '1952 Africa Art

Residency in Lagos' 2023 and 'Voice NFTs Residency 2' in

2022.

The waves of spray paint, resembling the marbled patterns

seamlessly blend with the background using oil and acrylic

paints represents the relationship between man and

natural resources. I invite viewers to visually explore and

contemplate the intricate nature of contemporary global

challenges and experience.

BIO

Josh Egesi is a dynamic design artist renowned for his

innovative approach to bridging the gap between African

culture and contemporary expressions. With a diverse

creative journey that has evolved from curating to painting,

graphic design, and beyond, Josh's work embodies a

fusion of tradition and modernity, aimed at preserving and

evolving African cultural narratives.

His artistic practice transcends boundaries, encompassing

a vast array of mediums and techniques. Whether working

on canvas, digital platforms, or installations, Josh's

commitment to preserving and celebrating African heritage

shines through in every project. From vibrant paintings that

depict stories of African folklore to cutting-edge graphic

designs that reimagine traditional motifs in a contemporary

context, Josh's creations are a testament to his passion for

cultural preservation and innovation.

One of Josh's most notable recent achievements is the

design of an electric talking drum, a groundbreaking fusion

of traditional African percussion with cutting-edge

technology. This innovative instrument not only pays

homage to the rich musical heritage of Africa but also

showcases Josh's ability to push the boundaries of design

and innovation. global

challenges and experience.

BIO

Ofulue Ife. E. Ehianu (b. 1995) is a versatile visual artist

whose multidisciplinary practice spans diverse mediums.

Hailing originally from Kaduna, Nigeria, his artistic

endeavors serve as a poignant tribute to his homeland,

encapsulating its essence and celebrating its rich tapestry

of everyday life experiences and people.

Ife.E. Ehianu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in

Architecture, complemented by a wealth of expertise and

experience in fields ranging from Building Construction to

Photography, Visual Digital Marketing, and Creative

Directing/Art Directing. His creative journey has been

punctuated by notable exhibitions, including prominent

showcases such as the "Emergence of Art" at Studio One

Art Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa, and recurring

participation in the esteemed Lagos Photo Festival from

2018 to 2019.

Furthermore, his work has graced spaces such as The

Dada Gallery and Alliance Française, as part of exhibitions

like "Nigerian Pop Culture" and the Emerging

Photographers Exhibit, respectively, in addition to

contributions to ART X Lagos and the Affinity Gallery's

"Ruwa Ya Zo" documentary project in 2022, where he

showcased his prowess in Creative Direction. He also In

2023 participated in SEI X ART Auction in London

promoting african and south asian art internationally.

BIO

Olalekan Adeyemi, born in 1988 in Osun State, Nigeria, is

a prominent painter renowned for his visually engaging and

photo-surrealistic artworks. With a deep-rooted connection

to Nigeria's socio-cultural landscape, Olalekan infuses his

artworks with poignant narratives and intricate symbolism.

In his artistic practice, Olalekan explores the concept of life

as a continuous process of shedding layers, akin to the

peeling-off of skin. Through his artworks, he delves into the

complexities of human existence, capturing fleeting

moments in time and leaving behind traces of the human

experience.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of aesthetic excellence,

Olalekan employs a dynamic rendition style that captivates

viewers, compelling them to engage with his artworks

repeatedly. His paintings serve as windows into a world

where reality and imagination intertwine, inviting viewers to

explore hidden depths with each encounter.