Emmanuel’s art evokes in me a deep sense of peace and serenity. I can easily imagine one of his works hanging in my living room. So I couldn’t refrain from contacting him to know more about him and his artistic world and ask him to exhibit his beautiful work here (for the time being). A few days later, we met via video call.

It was during his childhood that Emmanuel fell in love with drawing. As he grew older, his passion for the discipline only increased, giving him a sense of fulfillment and a purposeful life. His parents, notably his clergy father, noticed his artistic gift early on and encouraged him to perfect his art and pursue his artistic path.

As a result, Emmanuel enrolled in the Faculty of Arts of the Federal University of Lafia (Nasarawa State), where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in painting.

Afterward, under the mentorship of painter Unyime Edet, he refined his art to develop the magnificent and deeply moving style he is known for today, combining vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes.

Emmanuel draws his inspiration from his surroundings, including the things he sees and hears around him, the books he reads, and the artistic approach of other artists who inspire him, specifically, the way they integrate their environment into their art.

His fascination with the human figure leads him to study it from every angle — every posture, every glance, and every facial expression is internalized, then conveyed through his brush in a spontaneous, intuitive impulse. And so, symbolic images of freedom, purity, innocence, and peace come to life on canvas, connecting the viewers to their life experiences.

Through his art, Emmanuel aims to take the observer on an emotional and honest journey of self-discovery, while honoring Africa’s beauty and culture.

Thank you so much for this inspiring meeting, Emmanuel. I hope your art keeps appealing to and appeasing many more souls.

To acquire one or more of his exquisite works, contact him here: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuel_obile/?hl=en

Location: Lafia (Nasarawa State, Nigeria)