By Victorson Agbenson
***Says Her Art Promotes Social Justice
A promising Nigerian artist, Erioluwa Johnson, has captivated art enthusiasts in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, with her stunning and thought-provoking creations.
She pledged to use her artistic talents as a tool for promoting social justice and addressing societal challenges.
At two separate exhibitions in Abuja, Erioluwa reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging art as a medium to promote equity, confront negative societal practices, and inspire positive change.
The first exhibition, “One Tongue,” organized in collaboration with Storytellers Nigeria, was themed “Advancing Africa Together.” The second, held under the auspices of Yiaga Africa, a democracy-focused NGO, was titled “Arts for Democracy.”
Both events drew diverse audience, including art lovers, curators, and journalists, who marveled at her powerful and immersive works.
Describing her creative vision, Erioluwa said:
“As a multifaceted artist, I navigate the intersections of identity, culture, and social justice through mixed media, animation, and virtual reality.”
“My artistic practice is rooted in exploring the complexities of human experience, challenging societal norms, and fostering empathy.”
Drawing inspiration from African colors and textures, Erioluwa blends traditional and digital media to craft immersive experiences. Through animation and virtual reality, she transports audiences into worlds where identity, community, and social change intersect.
“My artistic journey is a continuous exploration of self, culture, and the human condition. I strive to create works that spark conversations, inspire reflection, and ignite positive change,” she added.
Investigations by our news platform reveal that Erioluwa Johnson is not only a multifaceted artist but also a student of International Relations and Political Science at the University of Abuja.
Her artistic journey began in 2018, driven by a passion for creative expression. Starting with graphite and charcoal, she later explored gouache, acrylic, and pastel before venturing into animation and virtual reality, a shift that has defined her unique blend of art and technology.
“This fusion enables me to push boundaries and explore innovative storytelling methods,” she said.
Through her art, Erioluwa captures the intricacies of human experience, delving into themes of identity, social justice, and emotional depth.
“Vibrant colors, bold compositions, and authenticity define my work,” she explained.
Erioluwa’s resume reflects steady growth and recognition. She was a finalist at the Fobally National Undergraduates Arts Competition (2024) and was also shortlisted for the Hard Art Competition (2024).
Additionally, she participated in the NES Art Competition (2024) and the Africa Night—One Tongue: Advancing Africa Together Art Show.
Looking ahead, Erioluwa envisions pushing creative boundaries and exploring new media.
Her plans include creating a series of 10 mixed media artworks exploring themes of identity and social justice, Developing a virtual reality experience that showcases African culture and history and collaborating with other Nigerian artists on public art projects to promote community engagement.
Others are, launching a solo exhibition to highlight her artistic journey and growth, establishing an art workshop program for underprivileged youths, developing an augmented reality app featuring African art and culturenand creating a community art center to provide resources and mentorship for emerging artists.
She also plans to design a large-scale public art installation addressing social justice issues and setting up an online platform dedicated to showcasing African art and artists.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Political Science at the University of Abuja, Erioluwa also holds a Certificate in Abstract Painting from the University of Arts.
Her artistic experiences include:
Mixed Media Artist (2021–present)
Animator and Virtual Reality Enthusiast (2021–present)
The dynamic and visionary artist, Erioluwa Johnson, can be reached at erioluwajohnson45@gmail.com for collaborations, exhibitions, and inquiries.