Ekene Ngige is a Nigerian artist based in Lagos, Nigeria. He is known for his intricate realistic coffee paintings. From an accidental spill to an divine inspiration for his new practice. With a background in fine arts from Yaba College of Technology, Ngige often focusing on messages of peace and unity. He also serves as the creative director at X-Animators. His debut solo exhibition is upcoming with Nomadic Art Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria.
A.S: What inspired your transition from traditional art mediums to using coffee as your primary medium?
E.N: It started from a spill. I was in a meeting to develop a Coffee shop/Restaurant when I spilled my Cappuccino on my writing pad. Then I realized the lovely texture of Coffee spill that was on my writing pad was so close to watercolor but even better. So, I decided to try coffee out as a paint medium on my watercolor paper when I got back to my studio. The result was amazing and I knew I had found my weapon.
A.S: How would you say your upbringing in Nigeria has inspired your practice?
E.N: I have 4 brothers and I am the 5th. 3 of them could illustrate cartoons so well and I looked up to them. I started drawing at the age of 3 on the blackboard and I got obsessed with drawing. I dreamt of creating cartoons like Voltron and I stocked up on my dream. My brothers left their talent to die as they chased other careers with the usual belief that art would take you nowhere in life. It wasn’t easy chasing my dream because my parents wanted me to be a doctor. I understood them because as a disabled child being a doctor would easily help me take care of myself and other disabled people or prevent medical errors like mine from happening to other kids but I love to draw and wouldn’t trade that for anything in this world. I chased my dream with wisdom and here I am.
A.S: What are some you have faced using coffee as a medium and how did you overcome them?
E.N: Coffee is very expensive, especially the coffee bean roasts I use to create art as well. Creating depth was a challenge. The more I tried to repeat brush strokes on a particular area the more I rub off the layers I previously painted because Coffee is Oily. I realized that I had to use thicker coffee gels to apply my darkest strokes first before painting other tones and that’s a lot of Coffee.
A.S: Can you tell us more about the social issues you highlight in your art? And why do you feel the need to use your work as a medium?
E.N: As much as I hate politics, I need to have a voice that speaks my thoughts about society. I found my voice in my paintings where I can easily express my feelings about what’s wrong and right about my country, Africa and the world at large.
A.S: How has your work evolved since you first began using coffee?
E.N: I went from painting Coffee on paper to painting Coffee on canvas to painting Coffee on textured canvas to using Coffee roasts on canvas to using Coffee and acrylic and it has all been amazing.
A.S: What role do you see art playing in addressing social issues and creating awareness around it?
E.N: Art plays a Multifunction role in addressing social issues and creating awareness, serving as a powerful medium for expression, communication, and advocacy. Here are a few ways in which art engages with social issues:
Emotional Connection: Art has the ability to evoke strong emotions, allowing audiences to connect with social issues on a personal level. This emotional engagement can foster empathy and understanding, motivating individuals to take action or support causes related to those issues.
Art can illuminate social issues that may be overlooked or misunderstood. Through visual art, literature, theater, and music, artists can raise awareness about topics such as poverty, inequality, racism, and climate change, educating audiences and prompting them to think critically about these issues.
Healing and Empowerment: Art can provide a means of healing for individuals and communities affected by social issues. Creative expression can be therapeutic, allowing people to process their experiences and trauma. Additionally, art can empower marginalized voices by providing a platform for self-expression and representation
A.S: Who are your artistic inspirations, both African and internationally?
E.N: Kelechi Amadi Obi, Agnes Cecil, Rembrandt, Micheal Angelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.
A.S: In what ways do you balance the technical and creative aspects of working with coffee as a medium?
E.N: Technically I Understand the Medium, Master the techniques of applying with my brush then I master my principles of composition such as balance, contrast and focal points, finally I experiment with all sorts of brushes to be sure of the right ones to use in making the details I desire.
Creatively, I use my paintings as a way to express my thoughts, emotions and experiences. I allow my personal style and voice shine through my work while I’m enjoying a cup of hot coffee.
Image courtesy of Nomadic Gallery
Image courtesy of Nomadic Gallery
A.S: What do you hope people take away from your work in this exhibition when they view them?
E.N: I hope they take the images and the messages away with them in their memory for a long time. I hope it inspires them to keep their light burning like the kids in the paintings. I hope they are uplifted.
A.S: Do you have any words of wisdom for an artist looking for an unconventional medium to work with?
E.N: I will say he should feel free like a bird and be creative with everything that can make a line.
A.S: Do you have any exciting new projects coming up that we can expect from you?
E.N: At the moment I am focused on my Solo exhibition with Nomadic Art Gallery coming up in November titled “ This Little Light Of Mine”. Thank You!
Ekene Ngige is exclusively represented by Nomadic Art Gallery and has a solo exhibition opening in November 2024. For more updates and information follow Ekene at @kennyda_vinci and Nomadic Art Gallery on Instagram.
