A Visual Artist's Portfolio
Ekene Ngige
/ARTIST'S STATEMENT
/bio
Art is the best way I can express myself. My obsession for humanity especially as an African has complete influence over my artworks. The power of Melanin and its beauty is clearly seen all over my canvas and palette. I create paintings with coffee on canvas or paper. The beauty of that golden brown monochromatic African image speaks volume about the color of our skin. Coffee was discovered in Africa. Its dark brown color perfectly suits its continent of origin and its caffeine level perfectly describes our strength. These qualities can be seen in my artworks. My coffee beans are harvested in Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State. Which makes my materials 90% African origin.
The drift and splash effect expresses my freedom as an artist. I don’t like to be boxed by rules. I am a free bird and so also at the strokes and splashes of my coffee. As a man who spent all his life living with disabilities, I have chosen not to limit myself in anyway. I have released myself from a bondage using my art to express my freedom and love for humanity.
I am very much inspired by events around me, Africa or Africans around the world. The past few years, I have been painting topics that call for peace as my country has suffered extreme violence affecting all ages. I protest with my art and pass a message of love and peace that can keep any heart or home warm. This is what I stand for, this is who I am.
The Most common Question has been, how long does this Coffee painting last? Due to a perfect varnished finishing, my artworks are durable forever.