I create using charcoal, graphite, acrylic, sketches, ink and old photos on canvas or paper. My work references the existence of one. I believe every detail of the universe matters, therefore I am spotlighting the existence of all.
Nigerian artist Emma Odumade’s work centres on hyper-realistic drawings that explore notions of identity and the social constructs of beauty and power.
Born and raised in Lagos, his art journey started at a very young age – drawing comics and cartoons and pasting collages on paper. In his latest body of work for Platform, Odumade explores themes of birth, life, identity and cultural practice through mixed media.
Watch
Odumade lauds the pencil as a weapon for activism and as a means to reconnect with personal stories and experiences.
Using graphite pencil, he depicts patterns of tribal scarification, with strokes and line patterns to mark ethnic membership and cultural identity. Using black tea, which is consumed in many homes, Odumade highlights representations of the skin and inner identity with a desire to negotiate the future, past and present.
Emma Odumade
Bdellium; Then I Guard the Garden in the Midnight Hour
2021
Emma Odumade
Seven Greens
2021
Emma Odumade
Selene and I; Forever Yet Infinity (From Initial Equation Series)
2022
Emma Odumade
Witness III
2021
Emma Odumade
The Moon; My Father is in the Ocean (from the I See Light series)
2021
Emma Odumade
Six Traps
2021
About the Artist
Emma Odumade (Nigerian, b. 2000) has been featured in several exhibitions and fairs, including Creative Debut’s Anti Art Fair in Peckham, London and Feedback exhibition in Arthill Gallery, London. He has been publicised on BBC, Pulse and other platforms. Currently working on a project called #ExpandYourCreativityAfrica, Odumade aims to promote unity, love and togetherness amongst African creatives and task the minds of young individuals.
Chosen Charity
Treasure of Love Missionaries of Charity
Treasure of Love Missionaries of Charity is a small charity close to Emma Odumade’s childhood home in Lagos which provides housing and care for orphans in Alapere, Ketu.