I find Emmanuel’s art fascinating in its beauty, depth, and mystery. Its breathtaking realism draws me into this “other reality”, where my curiosity is awakened and drives me to decipher every stroke, every hue, every shadow, and to see beyond what’s in front of my eyes.

So it was only natural that I should contact this exceptionally talented artist to find out more about his artistic world. A few days later, we met via video call.

It was during his childhood that Emmanuel developed and nurtured a love of drawing. Growing up, he didn’t hesitate for a second to follow an artistic program as soon as he knew it was possible to make a career in the arts.

In a few months, he will graduate from the Nsukka Art School (University of Nigeria) with a Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts.

Emmanuel’s main mediums are charcoal and oil paint. His art is first and foremost therapeutic, raising awareness of the impact of social, political, and economic conditions on mental health and self-perception. Through his works, Emmanuel offers us his own experience of mental crisis and trauma. His autobiographical works, for example, constitute a diagnosis of his mental state, born of a dialogue between the work in progress and his creative soul.

Emmanuel wishes to communicate this inner dialogue to the whole world and invites us to do the same because the first step towards healing one’s mental health conditions is self-awareness.

Emmanuel, I find very honorable the way you use your artistic gift because I’ve experienced mental crises myself. I think we all experience them to varying degrees. This makes your mission all the more meaningful, and I wish you continued success in carrying it out.

Thank you for offering us your world of delicate, stunning, and therapeutic images.

To purchase one or more of Emmanuel’s healing works, contact him here: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuel.ugwu_/

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)