We recently connected with Emmanuel Obile Joshua and have shared our conversation below.
Emmanuel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
The best thing my parents did right was to give me their full support to pursue my career as a visual artist. As a child, my parents discovered I had a talent for drawing and illustrating. Initially, my dad wanted me to study architecture, but after considering advice from others, they decided to support my passion for art.
This decision allowed me to focus on my art practice. When I needed to take fine art as a subject for my external exams (WAEC/NECO), my parents transferred me to a school that offered it. They continued to provide me with materials and resources to pursue my studies.
The impact of my parents’ support was immense. It led to my admission to the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, where I studied fine arts. There, I met like-minded individuals, including my mentor, Mr. Unyime Edet, a figurative and watercolor painter. His work inspired me, and I learned a great deal from him.
My parents’ decision to support my artistic pursuits allowed me to connect with my mentor and shaped me into the person I am today. Notably, when I sold my first paintings internationally, it opened their eyes to the potential of a successful career in art.
I’m grateful to God! for my parents’ decision, as it has formed my ideology and helped me become the artist I am today.
Emmanuel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Emmanuel Obile Joshua, a contemporary figurative painter from Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Painting from the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Under the mentorship of Unyime Edet, a renowned full time studio figurative and watercolor painter, there refined/honed my painting skills, polishing my technique and developed my unique artistic voice. My paintings are characterized by emotional expressions, coded with deeper meanings that reflect my life experiences and environment.
The body of my work are inspired by my environment, my life experience, and audios which i listen too, they all shape the body of my art pieces.
Drawing and craftsmanship has been the foundation to the level and strength of my paintings.
Through my art, I aim to educate and communicate the beauty and stories of my culture, exploring themes such as Self-development, Cultural identity, and Humanism. In my series of paintings, I delve into the symbolism of feathers, capturing their connection to freedom, purity, innocence, and peace.
I use expressive brush strokes to capture the emotional significance of feathers and the feelings they evoke. I am still exploring this approach and seeking to master it over time. I believe that my work is constantly evolving, and I am always learning and growing as an artist.
I welcome the viewer to join me on this journey of discovery and self-expression. My process is intuitive and spontaneous, allowing me to create art that is raw and honest. I want my work to inspire the viewer to reflect on their own emotions and experiences, and to find their own meaning in my art.
What sets my art apart:
1. My ability to evoke emotions and spark meaningful conversations.
2. I strive to create art that not only resonates with my audience but also inspires self-reflection and introspection.
3. Cultural Heritage: My art is deeply rooted in your African heritage, which brings a unique perspective and authenticity to my work.
4. Contemporary Figurative Style: My blend of traditional and modern techniques creating a distinctive visual language.
5. Emphasis on Identity and Self-Discovery: My art explores themes of identity, culture, and personal growth, resonating with audiences seeking meaningful connections.
6. Expressive Brushstrokes and Vibrant Colors: My bold, expressive brushstrokes and claim color palette create dynamic, emotive pieces that capture viewers’ attention.
7. Personal Storytelling: My art often tells personal stories, making my work relatable, authentic, and impactful.
8. Exploration of Humanism: Your focus on humanism and the human condition encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Unique Aspects of My Artistic Perspective
1. Authentic Representation: Your art provides authentic representation and visibility for underrepresented communities, promoting diversity and inclusivity.
2. I Emphasis on Emotional Connection: I focus on creating emotional connections with my audience sets me apart from artists who prioritize other aspects of art-making.
3. Commitment to Personal Growth: My dedication to ongoing learning, self-improvement, and artistic evolution demonstrates my passion for artistic growth.
As a Contemporary Figurative artist, I offer a variety of creative services tailored to meet my audients unique needs:
1. Commissioned: I create bespoke pieces in diverse styles, showcasing my distinctive perspective.
2. Graphic design: From concept to completion, I provide innovative visual solutions.
3. Mural painting: I bring spaces to life with vibrant, large-scale artworks.
Moving forward, I intend to broaden my creative scope into innovative areas, utilizing my expertise to explore digital illustration. This fusion will allow me to craft engaging experiences that merge creativity with daily life and personal growth. As a creative person, I value the liberty to convey my thoughts and ideas, and I am dedicated to continually challenging the boundaries of my imagination.
Some of my notable exhibitions and features include:
1- Life My City Art Festival LIMCAF 2024.
2- Exclusive Interview with Art Africa: Exploring Contemporary African Art, Identity, and Self-Discovery
https://art.africa/art-africa-curatorial-space/news/exclusive-interview-with-emmanuel-joshua-obile-exploring-contemporary-african-art-identity-and-self-discovery/
3- Virtual Exhibition with Mawu Art Gallery September 2024-febuary 2025.
https://assets.artplacer.com/virtual-exhibitions/?i=15007&a=true
I invite my audience to join me on this journey of discovery and self-expression, as I continue to explore new themes, techniques, and mediums.
Follow me on social media (@emmanuel_obile) on Instagram to stay updated on my latest works, and exhibitions. Let’s connect and explore how art can inspire, uplift, and transform our world.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
As an emerging artist, I’ve faced numerous challenges, but one particular experience stands out as a testament to my resilience.
It was during my third year of undergraduate studies, after completing my industrial training in 2022. The Academic Staff Union of Universities had gone on strike, and school was suspended indefinitely.
With no classes to attend, I felt lost and uncertain about what to do next. I had no reason to ask my parents for money to purchase art materials because school was not in session, and I felt like giving up on my dreams, cause it was so frustrating. But my passion for art burned brighter than ever. I remembered the words of my mentor, Unyime Edet: “An artist’s greatest strength lies not in their talents, but in their ability to persevere and be consistent.”
With renewed determination, I sought out opportunities to continue creating. I landed a commission through a friend of mine who was my course mate to paint a mural of Politician contesting for political positions in a bustling neighborhood called BromBrom. The project was daunting, but I was driven by my desire to succeed. I poured my heart and soul into the mural, working tirelessly alongside my friend to meet the tight deadline.
As I worked, I felt my spirits lift, and my confidence grew. But just as we finished the project, I fell ill and had to treat myself
Despite this setback, I refused to give up. I use 80% of the commission to purchase new art materials, which sustained me for the next five months. During this time, I created a body of work that would later be showcased in group exhibitions and sold internationally.
Looking back, I realize that this experience taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. It reminded me that setbacks are an inevitable part of the creative process, but with determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fart.africa%2Fartist%2Femmanuel-obile-joshua%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaeoSF8dUR8OEqvDsEGnG1djIrTfBX93QMj39X6EyxwsXlD7xQ5q5ZUVXg_aem_YSIXgLA0qD02b0NjmozpLQ&e=AT0H4qUh6-pGZe_27xWPVG-jPSppRHxxlA_dYxlUt4oiaFifRpRap7abP39MSCX68Us4s1NblRoG8riwApaO0dtZtUHGDgeSI_OcYRI
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuel_obile?igsh=dG13dW14M3kycWM1
- Facebook: Emmanuel Obile Joshua
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-obile-joshua-b39074193?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/emmanuel_obile?t=qfpM8eiIEgdzOqT-CtLB8w&s=08
- Youtube: nill
- Yelp: nill
- Soundcloud: nill
- Other: nill
Image Credits
Raphael Adams
Emmnauel Obile Joshua