Who Is Erikan...
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Erikan is a Nigerian artist from Akwa Ibom State. He studied art at the Federal College of Education in Akoka, Lagos. His works have been featured in festivals, professional businesses, museums and galleries around the world. Erikan uses acrylic and oil paint on canvas. He was trained by his father Emmanuel Ekefrey who is a renowned artist in Nigeria and Europe. Their technique is unique in Nigeria and the world which depicts his cultural heritage.
Artist Statement
Through a distinct African style of narration, my paintings depict cultural heritage and traditions using vibrant colors and lyrical forms which are both non figurative and abstract that I often use mask-like faces.
I am influenced by my father who is also a renowned artist. He is inspired by his father who was a sculptor in carving wooden images and masquerade masks. Our family is the only to have this style of painting in the world. My style is afro cubism. I outline my images with black lines and design African motif patterns between spaces. I use colors to symbolize events and depict traditions using earth tones and colors that are complementary or Analogous color in nature.
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I am inspired by music, dance, cultural activities, traditional ceremonies and everyday life through color and symbolism. My paintings celebrate the power of traditions and give homage to the spiritual connection between the land and the people.
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My art is conceptual. When I am creating, I am not the only one painting in front of the canvas. There is an inner man that is always directing me and guiding my brush strokes allowing images to flow with huge excitement. I am an artist because God created the world and made everything, so He instilled in me the power to create beautiful paintings for the world to see. I am continuing what my ancestors started by bringing African (Nigeria) art to the world through sharing the rich narrative of my culture, heritage and community.