We were lucky to catch up with Eno Young recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Eno, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve always been creative with my hands and I’ve always loved making art, but I haven’t always made time for it. In 2022, I realised I needed to take my art seriously and make it a priority. So, I decided to take the leap and start living as an artist. That was in January 2023, and it’s been an incredible journey so far.
Eno, 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?
I’m a visual artist who has lived in different parts of Nigeria. I paint and make wooden sculptures. The genre of my practice is largely expressionism and my work is mostly abstract figuration.
By removing recognisable facial identities from my figures, I create a sense of collective understanding that allows my audience to relate to my art intimately. I call them ‘silhouettes’. I use these silhouettes because they symbolise the broader context of my work, telling significant narratives in a world where they are experienced without words.
Stories are very important to me, and I want my work to speak to people on an impactful level.
There is no mystery or ambiguity in my work, as my goal isn’t for viewers to see themselves in it, but for them to understand my artistic voice and the emotions I’m trying to convey with these stories.
I have exhibited in several prominent galleries and I am preparing for my first solo exhibition. I have sold a number of artworks worldwide.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative approach is simple: stay true to what matters – telling genuine, meaningful stories that connect with everyone. My environment, culture, and social context fuel my inspiration. I believe art should have purpose. For me, that means living a fulfilling life while continually refining my craft.
I have two core goals:
1. Creating enduring art that shares powerful narratives, earning global recognition.
2. Consistently producing unique, expressive, and meaningful work that resonates.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist? Freedom. The freedom to express myself in my own creative language, to express my confidence in my style, to say what I want, to enjoy bringing my ideas to life, and to enjoy what I create. Art lets me be really loud without being orally loud. Sharing my creativity with the world is vital. It’s my strongest form of expressing myself, my way of storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bit.ly/enoyoung
- Instagram: eno.young.studio
