EMMA ODUMADE
b. 2000, NigeriaEmma Odumade (b. Lagos, 2000) uses charcoal, graphite, acrylic, ink and old photos across canvas or paper to build highly specific, layered narratives in his work. Concerning his hyper-detailed methodology, the artist explains, “My work references the existence of one. I believe every detail of the universe matters, therefore I am spotlighting the existence of all.”
Understanding the pencil as a formidable weapon for activism, and harnessing the power of visual storytelling, Odumade explores the minute references that construct an individual identity. With meticulous strokes of graphite pencils he depicts tribal scarification patterns that mark ethnic memberships, and also creates the varied skin tones of his protagonists with black tea, a domestic staple in Nigeria which carries emotive cultural significance.
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