We sit down with Nigeria-based artist Emmanuel M. Yeku for our Atelier Unraveled: Q+A to discuss his art practice. Working at the intersection of figuration, abstraction, and symbolic geometry, Yeku renders the complexities of the human condition with clarity and emotional resonance. Drawing from both classical and contemporary visual languages, his compositions illuminate the cyclical nature of transformation, resilience, and hope.
When were you first introduced to art and specifically painting, your current medium you work in?
EY— Growing up, I never imagined I would become an artist. However, my creative spark was ignited in 2017 when my pastor and lecturer encouraged me to explore art. Initially, I felt that art was reserved for the talented, but with his guidance, I enrolled at the Federal College of Education in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. During my time at college, I discovered my passion for painting. I spent countless hours practicing and honing my skills in my sketchbook. As I progressed, I became fascinated with realism in traditional styles. This interest led me to seek out mentorship from respected artist Ebenezer Akinola.
Under Akinola's guidance, I spent a year and a half refining my painting techniques. His studio became a sanctuary where I could explore my creativity. In 2023, I established my own workspace and began experimenting with both oil and acrylic paints. While I adore the detail and versatility of oil painting, I have also come to appreciate the benefits of acrylics. Due to the toxic nature of oil paints, I now primarily use acrylics, reserving oils for capturing the subtleties of skin tones and facial expressions. Throughout my journey, I have found that working with both mediums has been an incredible experience. I'm grateful for the opportunities I have had and look forward to continuing to explore the world of art.
Your portraits have such a softness and familiarity to them. In a way, artists have to either know or get to know their subjects on a somewhat personal level in order to capture them - their physical features, certain personality traits, and even their fashion style. Are any of the subjects in your portraits people you know and if so, how do you begin capturing them on canvas?
EY— I am often asked about the softness and familiarity in my portraits. For me, it is about establishing a personal connection with my subjects. To capture their physical features, personality traits, and fashion style, I believe it is essential to get to know them on a deeper level. When I first started painting, I relied on online references for practice. However, I soon realized that taking my own references would allow me to capture the essence of my subjects more accurately. With some guidance, I began taking photos of my friends and even myself as models. This process helped me overcome my initial fears and become more confident in approaching potential models. My series, Man for Himself, marked the beginning of this journey, featuring paintings inspired by my friends. As I continued to grow as an artist, I painted series like Local Champion, Reborn, and Pathfinder. I learned how to handle a camera and take professional-grade photos of my models. This skill has been invaluable in helping me capture the subtleties of human expression and emotion. Today, taking my own references is an integral part of my creative process. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with friends who are photographers, which has further enhanced my work. By taking the time to get to know my subjects and capture their essence through photography, I am able to create portraits that are not only visually striking but also deeply personal and relatable.
What are some of the concepts that make up your portraits?
EY— The concepts that underpin my portraits are rooted in the exploration of identity, self-discovery, and personal growth. Through my art, I reflect on my own journey of navigating the world of art, embracing the inevitable growth that comes with it, and maintaining the consistency that drives me forward. My portraits are also inspired by the complexities of human experiences and the longing to forge a positive path in life. I aim to capture the essence of resilience, hope, and self-belief in my work. For instance, my painting, Hope Beyond I, was a personal reflection on perseverance and determination. Another series, Man for Himself, explores the theme of self-empowerment and the importance of believing in oneself.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, I've come to realize that true greatness lies not in external validation, but in acknowledging and embracing our own strengths and weaknesses. This philosophy is echoed in my Local Champion series, which encourages viewers to strive for excellence beyond their immediate surroundings and limitations. I am making reference to these specific paintings because they have played a pivotal role in my own journey of self-discovery. They have helped me find myself, both as an artist and as an individual. By sharing my art with others, I hope to inspire them to reflect on their own paths of self-discovery and personal growth. Ultimately, my goal is to create art that resonates deeply with my audience, leaving a lasting impact and contributing to a more empathetic and connected world.
When I view your work, I notice the color palette you use tends to be lighter and more vibrant. How do you approach color theory in your portraits?
EY— I'm glad you've noticed the lighter and more vibrant color palette in my portraits. Color study plays a vital role in art, as it helps convey the message and emotion behind a piece. Early in my artistic journey, I read a book on color study from Akinola's library, which emphasized the importance of limiting an artist's color palette to three or four colors. This principle has stuck with me, and I've been experimenting with complimentary colors to create visually striking effects. My deliberate use of light applications and vibrant colors is intended to evoke feelings of optimism, joy, energy, and vibrancy. I aim to capture the uplifting spirit of my models and convey a sense of happiness, excitement, and hope. Currently, I am exploring new techniques to add depth and texture to my work. In addition to my signature light and vibrant color palette, I am working on some paintings that incorporate impasto applications. This layered, three-dimensional approach is allowing me to experiment with new ways of expressing emotion and energy in my portraits. Through my artistic process, I have come to realize that color theory is a language that requires continuous learning and practice. As I continue to explore and experiment with different color palettes and techniques, I am excited to see how my art will evolve and the emotions it will evoke in my audience. This approach to color theory has been a delightful experience so far, and I look forward to gaining more insights and expertise as I continue on my artistic journey.
Some of your earlier work like State of Mind and Show Me Love, for example, feature women with a halo behind them. It is very reminiscent of Byzantine and Renaissance art. Halos often symbolize a sense of the divine. How do you reinterpret this iconography for contemporary subjects?
EY— The halo motif in my earlier works, such as State of Mind and Show Me Love, serves as a deliberate nod to Byzantine and Renaissance art. However, my interpretation of this traditional symbol diverges from its typical association with divinity. For me, the halo represents the intrinsic inner strength, spirituality, and glory that resides within every human being. By depicting both male and female figures with halos, I aim to celebrate the power, strength, beauty, and courage that exists within each individual. In fact, I have also created a few more paintings featuring male subjects with halos, further emphasizing the universality of inner divinity. In recontextualizing the halo, I challenge the viewer's perception of divinity, encouraging them to look beyond religious or mystical contexts. Instead, I believe that divinity can be found in the everyday resilience and beauty of ordinary people. Through my art, I strive to empower individuals to recognize their own inner divinity. By reinterpreting the halo in a contemporary context, I aim to foster a sense of connection between the viewer and the subject. Ultimately, my goal is to utilize art as a tool for self-reflection, empowerment, and celebration of the human spirit, emphasizing that every individual possesses a divine spark within themselves.
What story would you like to tell through your portraiture?
EY— Through my portraiture, I aim to share stories that reflect my experiences and the events of people around me. Before starting a painting, I take the time to reflect on what I want to convey about my subject. What drew me to this person or moment? What essence do I want to capture?
My goal is to create art that not only resonates with viewers but also inspires them to reflect on their own lives and connections. I hope that my paintings will serve as a catalyst for self-discovery, encouraging viewers to explore their own stories and relationships. By sharing these stories through my art, I aim to create a sense of connection and community. I believe that my paintings can carve a path for humanity to come together, to see reflections of real-life events, and to experience a deeper sense of understanding and empathy. Ultimately, I hope that my audience will engage with my art on a profound level, experiencing a visual expression that connects them to a divine purpose. Through my portraiture, I strive to create a sense of resonance and shared humanity that transcends the canvas.
EY— I'm currently working on a series of portraits that showcase the beauty and essence of the women who have inspired me. One of my recent projects features a stunning dark-skinned lady with striking eyes. We collaborated on a photo shoot, and she even brought a friend along to participate. I'm thrilled with the results and excited to share them with the world. Another project I'm working on is a portrait of a vibrant and confident earthy girl. Her energy and self-assurance are truly captivating, and I'm enjoying the process of bringing her spirit to life on canvas. These projects, along with a few others, are helping me to grow as an artist and bring my vision to life. I'm eager to share them with my audience and see how they resonate with others. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my art and experiences, and I hope that it will inspire and connect with others on a deeper level.
What are you currently working on?
Images courtesy of the artist.