Mayowa Nwadike

Lives and works in New York, NY

Artist statement

Mayowa Nwadike is a mixed-media artist whose work intimately explores vulnerability and identity. His paintings focus on portraying quiet, personal moments of Africans and Africans in the diaspora as they navigate the tension between who they are and what society expects of them – especially as it pertains to gender, class, and religion. He works primarily with a unique combination of acrylic and charcoal, building his pieces in layers. His style is inspired by the classical painting techniques of Old Masters paired with contemporary storytelling. Through cues in facial expressions, body language, and clothing, he presents everyday people with a sense of regality and significance. Nwadike also uses subtle symbolism, including references to religion and theater, to add deeper meaning to his work. These elements reflect themes of struggle, growth, and self-discovery. His work is rooted in personal experience and careful observation of human behavior. Rather than giving clear answers, his paintings capture emotional complexity and leave space for interpretation. He invites viewers to look closely, reflect on what they see, and consider how it relates to their own identity and experiences.

Artwork