These 10 Nigerian Hyper-Realist Artists Will Trick Your Eyes
These Nigerian paintings and drawings are so realistic that they'll make you question whether they're photos or not.
This is the type of group show that could make you call everything you see into question. Can you believe it even though you've seen it? Maybe that's why it's called "Insanity". The ongoing show of hyper-realistic work from Nigerian artists is at the Omenka Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos, and will be open until Dec. 3. It features work from ten different artists from around the country. This isn't the first time Naija hyper-realism has taken over, however.
Works by Kelvin Okafore and Oresegun Olumide have also gone viral recently. The show may only scratch the surface. There are more local artists out there doing the thing, including Nigerian creatives like Jeffrey Appiatu and Akorede Olanrewaju, and even some Ghanaians such as Enam Bosokah. Although it may not be comprehensive, the show definitely shines an important light on a strong movement.
Insanity is actually a collection of artists, and they plan to make this an annual event with different artists each year. "Hyperrealism has not yet been put on the radar in Nigeria," says Ken Nwadiogbu, one of the organizers and artists in the show. "People are not yet used to it. So bringing such technique and execution will, no doubt, create an echo."
Browse a collection or works by artists in the show below. (Note that it's not always the artist photographed with their work.)
This painting is definitely the most intense of the collection.
Arinze Stanley
Another intense piece, this one made with charcoal pencil.
Did you see him at the exhibition today? @cassper_og #insanityexhibition
A photo posted by Arinze Stanley ?? (@harinzeyart) on
Oscar Ukonu
Sometimes all you need is a ballpoint pen. Ukonu proves it's about the skill, not the tools.
Chiamonwu Ifeyinwa Joy
Still finding it hard to believe this isn't a photo. Joy is the only female artist in the show.
A photo posted by Chiamonwu Ifeyinwa Joy (@chiamonwu.i.j_creations) on
Isimi Taiwo
Taiwo's work is more on the abstract side, making it resemble digital art over photography.
Ken Nwadiogbu
Nwadiogbu takes that hyper-realistic talent and places it into unnatural settings.
A photo posted by Ken Nwadiogbu (@kenartng) on
Sheyi N. Alabi
A serene and soft piece made with colored pencil.
Fola David
David uses hyper-realism to bring a powerful, natural image to life.
Are my eyes deceiving me... I think I need my glasses. INSANITY!!!
A photo posted by Fola David (@foladavid) on
Alex Peter Xtinealexpen
Xtinealexpen unveiling the reality below the surface.
A photo posted by Alex Peter Xtinealexpen?? (@alexpeter_art) on
Raji Bamidele
Bamidele was the only one to create work on unconventional surfaces.
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