Ekene Ngige’s journey from overcoming a childhood disability to becoming a celebrated artist is nothing short of inspiring. Paralyzed at the age of one due to a medical error, Ngige has never let his limitations define him. Supported by the unwavering belief of his parents, he developed a passion for art at just three years old, earning the nickname “Kene da Vinci” from his teacher. Specializing in watercolour, acrylic, and oil painting, Ngige honed his craft at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, but it was a serendipitous coffee spill in 2014 that led him to his signature medium – painting with coffee.
Image courtesy of NAG
In this exhibition, Ngige unveils pieces that embody the powerful, radiant hope he sees in every child. This light, which fuels dreams even amidst adversity, shines through each portrait—celebrating children’s resilience and boundless imagination. Ngige’s art is both a reflection of his personal journey and a call to nurture the light of hope within every child, a force he believes has the power to transform lives. Through his brushstrokes, Ngige encourages us to embrace individuality, unity, and the shared humanity that can lead us all toward a brighter tomorrow.
This body of work reflects Ngige’s belief that the light of hope is essential for nurturing children’s dreams. Each piece captures the luminous spark that ignites imagination and fuels aspirations, reminding us that even in challenging times, this light shines brightly in the eyes of youth. Through his art, Ngige illuminates the pathways of dreams, encouraging viewers to recognize the beauty and strength that children possess.
Ngige’s art is both a reflection of his personal journey and a call to nurture the light of hope within every child, a force he believes has the power to transform lives. Through his brushstrokes, Ngige encourages us to embrace individuality, unity, and the shared humanity that can lead us all toward a brighter tomorrow.
Image courtesy of NAG
Ngige’s creative process begins with a pencil sketch on canvas or paper, followed by the careful layering of coffee mixtures to create striking, monochromatic portraits. His method, which includes the use of ground coffee, instant coffee, and sometimes whole beans, allows him to depict the essence of Africa in each brushstroke. “Coffee was discovered in Africa,” Ngige says, “and its rich brown hues perfectly capture the beauty of our skin and the strength of our continent.” He finishes his pieces with a gloss varnish, ensuring their longevity for at least a century.
Image courtesy of NAG
Ekene Ngige, known for his captivating coffee paintings that explore themes of hope and resilience, is proudly and exclusively represented by Nomadic Art Gallery, where his transformative work continues to inspire and engage audiences. The Nomadic Art Gallery has since 2016 been on a mission to provide African art and artists on the continent and in diaspora a strong voice and visibility in Africa and beyond, pioneering what NAG refers to as “the Afrobeat of Contemporary Art”.
The exhibition runs from 3rd September to 14th December 2024 from Monday through Saturday at Nomadic Art Gallery located at 22 Adetokunbo Ademola Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Additional information can be found on Nomadic Art Gallery on: www.nomadic-art.com
For further information please contact
Contact:Ms. Mercy Imiegha
Gallery Director
Tel: 0814 003 4651
E-mail: mercy@nomadic-art.com
