By Osa Mbonu-Amadi, Arts Editor

Beyond vision, there is something more profound about the human eye: It is a window to the human soul.

The eyes of an individual convey information about that person which are too deep to be expressed verbally.

One Nigerian artist who explores the tensions of modern society, and tells the story of African identity as global narratives through exaggerated eyes, is Nwankwo Vincent Obiora.

Born on December 12, 1992, Obiora, an indigene of Anambra State, South East of Nigeria, carries in him all the attributes of a contemporary African artist.

Armed with a Higher National Diploma, HND, in Fine Art and a Postgraduate Diploma, PGD, in Theatre Arts, Obiora taught himself much of the innovations he brought to his art practice. His training under certain masters at Universal Studios of Art, National Theatre, Lagos, was for the purpose of honing his skills in anatomy drawing, clay modeling, and life drawing across mediums.

The various aspects of his practice which cuts across painting, videography, interior design, and a stint in teaching at Straitgate Schools in Magodo, Lagos, project him as an artist who is deeply committed to cultural education. As an art instructor, Obiora simplified for students, traditional African art history, usage of tools, and principles of design, thereby bridging the gaps in knowledge from one generation to the other.

The world in which we live is composed by both beauty and ugliness. One’s products largely depends on what one chooses to see. Obiora chooses to see beauty. This is captured in his artistic statement: “In a world surrounded by beauty and chaos, I choose to align with beauty. I create without boundary, giving life to thoughts once considered still.” And yet, he could not resist exploring the tensions between these two powerful forces, like in painting beautiful female figures with exaggerated eyes, which at the same time suggests that human eyes, beyond their function as organs for vision, are windows to the soul.

The artist’s works have been exhibited both locally and internationally. In Nigeria, his works have been shown at Vivid Exclusive Art Gallery. His international outings include solo shows at Black Art in America (Atlanta, Georgia), group exhibitions at Art Basel, Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art (USA), Hamer Gallery, The Holy Art Gallery, Art Number 23 and Artdax, in London. He has also shown at Shoutout Miami, and Brooth Group in Ghana.

Obiora has had quite a number of prestigious recognitions which include the 2022 ‘The Milk of Dreams’ Art Biennial in Italy, Swatch Art Biennial in Switzerland, Swatch collaboration (Nigeria’s Best Artwork, 2022), and the 3rd Runner-Up at Artdax Art Competition in 2020.

One of the outstanding works by Nwankwo Vincent Obiora is his “Vogue” (4ft x 4ft, acrylic on canvas, 2023). “Vogue” appears to be the artist’s tribute to the contributions black women have made to the global fashion industry. It depicts an imposing African female figure seated against a bold yellow backdrop. A large bale of natural black hair sits on her head, proudly showcasing her cultural identity. Her gown shows a fussion of two cultures. The richly patterned textile blends African heritage represented by floral motifs with Western influences represented by a lace neckline that symbolises elegance.

Then comes the exaggerated eyes which are the artist’s signature touches. The piercing eyes amplify the general impact with vibrant splashes and dark tones. “Vogue” does not just portray beauty, it provides for the viewer, a window into the thoughts, hopes and aspirations of the real individual behind the beautiful persona.

His other works are “The Flower Girl”, “First Date”, “Sophia”, and “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” which grace private collections and platforms like Black Art in America, underscoring his visibility in the art market.

But beyond all that, Obiora’s works have left broader impact and legacy. His work have created spaces where African motifs thrive in what the artist see as contemporary chaos, influencing collectors, educators, and emerging artists. As Nigerian art continues to make great impact on the global stage where peers like Njideka Akunyili Crosby play, Obiora has no doubt carved a niche for himself.