Meet the Artist: Ken Nwadiogbu

Bidding for our Winter Auction is now open until 23rd November! We sat down with Nigerian-born London-based artist Ken Nwadiogbu (Lots 461-463) to discuss his artistic, the use of the eye motif in his artworks, and his pieces in the auction.

Bid on Ken's Artworks

What role does the process of layering play in your postcards?

My name is Ken Nwadiogbu, I am a Nigerian-born London-based visual artist. The concept of layering plays a pivotal role in my 'Art on a Postcard' pieces. As an artist, I view my identity as a composition of various layers of experiences, shaped by my exposure to cities like Lagos and London, and a myriad of others across the globe. This multifaceted perspective on life extends to my artistic practice. I hold a deep appreciation for layers as they provide a canvas for me to explore diverse mediums, each possessing its own unique characteristics. In my art, I often blend materials such as acrylic with oil or charcoal with collage. However, for my 'Art on a Postcard' creations, I intentionally opted for charcoal and acrylic. Charcoal, in particular, holds a special significance for me, as it was the medium I initially embraced when I began my artistic journey.

Is there any continuity between these pieces and your wider practice?

Is there any continuity between these pieces and your wider practice? In my practice, I have started to delve into abstract expression, exploring its facets. I'm essentially combining abstract expression and realism, in a way to bring the familiar into surreal spaces. I believe that by combining both the visual and emotional elements of my experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the context of memory. Memories, as we know, are not stored in their entirety but rather exist in bits and fragments.

Eyes are a recurring motif in your work, catching viewers within their gaze. What relationship do you have with the act of looking?

In the eyes, there exists a potent force. Some say that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. Furthermore, when you engage in direct eye contact with someone, you can feel a powerful energy. This is the energy I want to evoke in the work. With the recurring theme of the eyes in my artwork, my aim is to establish a connection with the viewers. It's not merely about looking; but also, about being seen. I want the artwork to engage in a dialogue with you, creating a space where the artwork communicates with the viewer.