Ndey Christi, 2023
Mayowa Nwadike is a self-taught multi-disciplinary Nigerian artist and primarily a mixed media painter, utilizing acrylic and charcoal to create his sizable works. Focusing predominantly on realism with elements of abstraction, his works are descriptive, not narrative, driven by African stories and symbolism. His work delves into the complexities of toxic masculinity and highlights the challenges immigrants face. Although, primarily a visual artist, Mayowa loves art in all forms, including poetry, photography, and his most recently found media - film. Mayowa pushes back on societal norms and gender roles, provoking viewers to consider their relationship to social issues. He hopes that through his works he can promote inclusivity and help men embrace their femininity.
He recently produced a short film that premiered in Outfest in Los Angeles and screened at the ProducersClub in New York. Mayowa’s paintings have been exhibited in various esteemed galleries and museums, like the Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, USA; The African American Museum, Dallas. Mayowa has received the honorary award of the Best In Show (Mixed Media Art), 27th Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition & Exhibition. His painting (Born and Reborn) has since been added to the African American Museum Dallas permanent collection. Mayowa has also been featured in various print and video interviews highlighting his artistic journey and creative process.