These portraits experiment with human forms and investigate the psychology of being
by capturing the emotional state of the subjects, dressed in a hybrid of western and African dresses,
at a particular moment.
I love to use charcoal to portray the flesh tones,
while all other parts are rendered in vibrant colours, and I often place
my figures in an abstract background made with feathers.
My art is a form of activism to challenge contemporary issues in society.
About the Artist
Nigerian-based artist Paul Ayihawu uses charcoal and acrylic to tell the story of Africa in a new light.
His work focuses on social-cultural issues and the impact of colonialism on African cultures and values.
He is fervent about telling the untold, unheard, and silent stories of the black community.
His works are in private collections in the USA, South Africa, and Nigeria.