Ken Nwadiogbu (b. 1994, Lagos, Nigeria) is a multidisciplinary artist. A trained civil engineer, he soon pivoted to fine art, first embracing hyperrealism and charcoal drawing before expanding his creative horizon to more conceptual works and a wider array of techniques.

On Nwadiogbu’s large canvases, stories superimpose themselves in multiple layers. Mixing together hyperrealism with contemporary elements, he explores grave matters in his playful conceptual work, inviting us to address altogether black representation and identity, displacement, and socio-political control. Defending an art that can be at once smart and fun, he creates ingenious, politically charged visual illusions that deploy a singular outlook, daring the audience to question their own, for “value lies in the perspective”.

Nwadiogbu is credited for introducing the “Contemporealism” movement. He was awarded the prestigious The Future Awards Africa in recognition of his contributions to the Nigerian arts community. His works have been exhibited in a number of galleries including Thinkspace (‘Ubuntu’, LA, 2021), Bomb Factory Art Foundation (‘Journey Mercies’, London, 2021), Retro Africa (‘A Different Perspective’, Abuja, 2022), and Bricklane Gallery (‘Contemporealism’, London, 2019). They have also been showcased at Scope Miami, 1-54 London, Prizm Art Fair, and ART X Lagos on several occasions. He has collaborated with many esteemed brands including Macmillan Publishers, Martell, and OPPO. A core focus for him is to inspire and encourage young creatives. He does this through public speaking and mentorship, as well as through his creative collaborations.

Nwadiogbu enjoys expanding his perspective -and ours, rarely ever leaving anything to chance, but rather proceeding from a place of joy, and intentional care. He is constantly revitalizing his practice by challenging modes of Black representation.