COLORS OF BELONGING: A JOURNEY THROUGH IDENTITY AND HERITAGE

I first stumbled upon Winifred Otowa’s work on Instagram, instantly drawn to her magnetic use of color and her masterful way of capturing African strength and beauty through a unique blend of graphite pencil, acrylic, and oil paint.

Winifred graciously accepted my request for a Zoom call and — let me tell you — it was anything but one-sided. She had as many thoughtful questions for me as I had for her. Our two-way conversation flowed effortlessly as we explored each other’s artistic backgrounds, practices, and aspirations. I came away deeply inspired, struck by her diligence, curiosity, and determination — qualities I strive to nurture in my journey.

Born in 1998 in Nigeria, Winifred is a visual artist now based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine and Applied Arts from Niger Delta University, where she specialized in painting, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Fine Art at Ulster University. Her work is rooted in storytelling and cultural preservation, exploring themes of Black identity, migration, and self-reflection. Through a contemporary lens, she reimagines African myths, histories, and immigration stories while examining the intersections of African and British cultures — a reflection of her own lived experience.

Her artistic journey began with her Final Year Exhibition at Niger Delta University and has since included notable group shows such as Visual Dialogues with the Female Association of Nigerian Artists (FEAA) in Lagos (2023), Collaborations at The Art Hotel, Lagos (2023), the Black & Global Majority Art Fair with CasildArt Contemporary in London (2024), and PULSE at Queen Street Studios, Belfast (2025).

Working primarily in realism, Winifred’s process often begins with vibrant color pouring and swipe techniques on canvas, creating dynamic backgrounds that she refines with oil paint and pencil to bring depth and detail. Her palette of bold, vivid hues reflects the richness of African culture while serving as a visual bridge between her homeland and her current environment.

Her aim is simple yet profound: to create work that resonates on a personal level, evoking a sense of home for those living far from it, while also inviting people of different cultural and racial backgrounds to connect with and learn from her heritage. In her own words, she paints to give voice to overlooked histories and emotions, building a dialogue that transcends borders.

You can acquire one or more of her marvelous creations here.

You can follow her at: https://www.instagram.com/win_art01/

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)