We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Moses Ndubuzo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Moses below.
Hi Moses, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I was trained to be an artist at the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. That was where my desires in the creative world were refined and given focus. I had the passion, drive, and willingness to be a great artist, and the school of art taught me discipline, focus, collaboration, and the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. The constant assignments, classwork, teamwork, and healthy competition among peers helped me grow immensely.
When I entered the institution, I realized I had so much to learn since I didn’t grow up wanting to be an artist. I started drawing in high school, and the first time I encountered a painting in a bank, I fell in love with it. At that moment, I decided I was going to be a painter. I knew it would take a lot of work, but art school pushed me to develop the essential skills and mindset I needed. Seeing others ahead of me, in my set, and below my set constantly fueled my drive to keep practicing, stay dedicated, and refine my craft. I was fortunate to have wonderful lecturers who understood my desire and supported my growth. That burning desire and willingness to pay the price for my dreams remain the foundation of everything I’ve learned and can do now.
Looking back, knowing what I know now, I think I could have sped up my learning process by seeking mentorship and exposure beyond the university walls much earlier. Early on, I worked mostly in isolation, relying on my intuition and personal drive. While that helped me find my voice, connecting sooner with professionals and exploring different art environments would have accelerated my development. I’ve learned that the most essential skills are not just technical, like mastering color harmony or composition, but also discipline, patience, curiosity, and the courage to take risks.
One major obstacle was limited access to resources and fully embracing professional guidance immediately after school, but that challenge shaped my resilience and creativity. It pushed me to experiment with materials and techniques until I discovered the woven-like illusion that now defines my work. Those challenges became lessons, teaching me that growth often hides behind discomfort and consistency.
Moses, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Ndubuzo Moses, a Nigerian visual artist whose practice revolves around human emotions, personal experiences, and everyday life. I specialize in stylized figurative paintings that merge textured backgrounds, and a unique woven-like illusion inspired by basket weaving. My works often explore themes of reflection, knowledge, hope, and social awareness, using visual storytelling to spark thought and dialogue.
My journey into art began somehow unexpectedly. I didn’t grow up planning to be an artist. My passion for painting started when I saw a painting displayed in a bank for the first time. That single encounter awakened something powerful in me. It led me to study Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where my passion was refined into purpose. Since then, art has become not just my profession but my voice, a way to communicate ideas, emotions, and the beauty hidden in ordinary experiences.
Through my creative practice, I aim to encourage self-reflection and intellectual growth, especially within a society where reading culture and personal awareness are often overlooked. My ongoing series, Blind Spot, for example, focuses on the importance of knowledge and the consequences of ignorance. My recent works also explore the essence of wishes, reflection, and identity, allowing viewers to connect deeply with their own inner journeys.
What sets my art apart is my approach to visual symbolism. I use an illusion of woven patterns on my works, a metaphor for interconnectedness, strength, and the weaving together of experiences that shape who we are. My color palette is expressive and bold, mirroring the emotions that run through my subjects.
I’m most proud of how my art has evolved into a tool for inspiration and awareness. It has opened conversations, attracted attention from collectors, and connected me with people who find pieces of themselves in my work. Each painting carries part of my story and, at the same time, mirrors the viewer’s.
Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my art is not just about beauty, it’s about meaning. It’s about using visual language to express my thoughts, celebrate resilience, and awaken curiosity. I want my audience to see my paintings as mirrors of life and as reminders that growth and enlightenment begin with awareness and reflection.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve always admired readers, but for a long time, I only “wished” to be one. Eventually, I decided to start reading, even if it was just ten minutes a day, because ten minutes of learning is better than endless wishing. That simple decision completely changed my mindset.
When I relocated to Abuja and took an art teaching job to support myself, the first book I read was ‘How to Talk to Anyone Anywhere by Larry King’. That book was a game changer for me. I’ve always been introverted, and back then, I found it difficult to approach people or pitch my art. I relied mostly on referrals or those who stumbled upon my work. The lessons from that book helped me gain confidence in communication, which has been a huge step in building relationships as an artist.
After that, I read The Role of Work, which reshaped my understanding of working with and for others, a crucial mindset for any entrepreneur. I also read several others, including The Richest Man in Babylon, Think and Grow Rich, The 48 Laws of Power, Steal Like an Artist, Money Wisdom, and Lucky Person Syndrome. Each one contributed something unique to my personal growth, financial awareness, and creative philosophy.
I also enjoy novels such as Things Fall Apart and Purple Hibiscus, as well as romantic stories that help me understand human emotion from different perspectives, which I often reflect in my art.
Beyond books, I regularly watch educational videos and read articles on art, creativity, life, and business. All these resources combined have played a powerful role in shaping who I am today. They’ve sharpened my thinking, deepened my philosophy, and helped me grow not only as an artist but also as a person.
I encourage anyone reading this to embrace reading as an act of self-investment. It’s one of the few things that always pays off, sometimes not immediately, but always meaningfully.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most challenging and defining moments in my journey was the period when I decided to transition from naturalistic, representational painting to my current stylized figurative approach. It was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made as an artist.
When I began this transition around 2021, it felt like everything I had built was falling apart. I faced discouraging comments, disappointing opinions, and confusion from collectors and friends. It suddenly seemed like I didn’t know how to paint anymore. I lost clients, lost fans, and went years without selling a single piece or being accepted into shows. Many people didn’t understand my new direction, some even mocked my work.
But deep down, I knew what I was chasing wasn’t popularity or recognition; it was fulfillment and peace. I wanted to create something that felt deeply personal, work that told my story and reflected my emotions rather than just a recognizable face or form.
During those dark moments, a few people stood by me, mentors and friends who encouraged me to keep going. Their support helped fuel my resilience. I continued experimenting, reading, practicing, and exploring until my art began to feel right again, like I was finally painting from within.
The first time someone reached out to buy one of my new works on Instagram, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and even shed tears. It was proof that someone finally connected with the new language I had been struggling to speak through my art. Since then, more people have discovered and collected my works, and I’ve started being accepted into exhibitions once again.
Looking back now, I’m proud that I never gave up during that difficult transition. What once seemed like a setback has become my biggest breakthrough. Today, people tell me they can recognize my work even without seeing my signature, and that, to me, is one of the greatest rewards of resilience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ndubuzomoses
- Facebook: @ndubuzomoses_art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndubuzo-moses-1baa38134?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: @ndubuzomoses_
Image Credits
Ndubuzo Moses