Self-portrait, 2023
Makama John

Painting : oil, acrylic, charcoal

76.2 x 76.2 x 2.5 cm 30 x 30 x 1 inch

$2,000

Make an offer

You may negotiate a lower price for this artwork with our partner gallery. Please note, your offer will be sent to the gallery when your order is finalized. If the gallery cannot accept your offer, you will receive a full refund.

LOADING NOT DISPLAYED BLUR TEXT
Second NOT DISPLAYED BLUR TEXT
Have a question? Ask a specialist

Free returns within 14 days

Authenticity guaranteed

Learn more

Verified Reviews

9.6/10

Secure payment

Paypal American Express Visa Mastercard Apple Pay Google Pay
Discover similar artworks

About the artwork

Type

Unique work

Signature

Hand-signed by artist

Authenticity

Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery

Invoice from the gallery


Dimensions cm inch

76.2 x 76.2 x 2.5 cm 30 x 30 x 1 inch Height x Width x Depth

Framing

Not framed


Tags

Portrait

figurative

Colors

Expressionism

Men

Look

Faces

Sky blue

Pink

Artwork sold in perfect condition

Artwork location: Nigeria

"Self-Portrait" is a timeless genre of art that has been created by countless artists throughout history. One such artwork is the self-portrait by Makama John.

The background of the painting is sky blue, which serves to accentuate the artist's features. Makama John's clothing is a striking contrast to the blue background, with his hat rendered in a deep blue. The painting's overall effect is one of energy and intensity, capturing the spirit of the artist and his unique style.

One of the most notable aspects of the painting is the artist's expression. Makama John's face is intense and focused, with a hint of sadness or contemplation. The self-portrait is a reflection of the artist's innermost thoughts and emotions, and it captures the complexity and depth of his personality.

Makama John's self-portrait is not just a reflection of the artist's personal style; it is also a statement about the nature of art and the artist's place in society. The painting is a testament to the artist's individuality and creativity, and it is a reminder that art is an essential aspect of human expression.

In conclusion, Makama John's self-portrait is a masterpiece of art that captures the artist's unique style and spirit. The painting is a testament to the artist's individuality and creativity, and it is a reminder that art is a vital aspect of human expression. The self-portrait is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate viewers today, and it is a tribute to the power and beauty of the human spirit.

Shipping Procedure:
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria.
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery)

About Artist:
Makama John is a contemporary artist who works from his home studio in Abuja Nigeria. He has a BSc. in Accounting but decided to focus on art in 2020, his art focuses on societal issues experienced by mostly young people, he is an African descent and he is mostly inspired by his environment, research, and life experiences.

He paints skin in green color which represents Vegetation, growth, prosperity, and a new beginning.
The Polka dots represent every human being on earth as we are all connected in one way or the other, evolution tells how we all evolved from the Homo sapiens into the different races we have in the world. His medium is Charcoal, Acrylic, and Oil, he also uses any other mediums he discovers through research, experience, and his journey as an artist/painter, he works on canvas and sometimes paper.

He exhibited with ICanDraw Africa in September 2021. He's been part of two online exhibitions with Circleofnoneuk in July 2022 and Valoris fine art in September 2022.
Makama John's works have been purchased by private collectors in Nigeria and abroad.
Read more

About the seller

Constance and Sons Gallery • Nigeria

Artsper seller since 2022

Vetted Seller

Top Seller


Imagine it at home

Makama John, Self-portrait
Nigeria  • 1992

Presentation

As eye-catching as intriguing, Makama John's portraits are irrevocably in tune with the creative bubbling of Africa. From his studio located in Abuja (Nigeria), the self-taught artist delivers a powerful body of works. Giving the viewer an intimate atmosphere, his creations are marked by blazing colours, brilliantly put in contrast to enhance his subjects whose unchanging gazes are filled with unwavering confidence and poise. The aesthetic signature he developed with the green polka-dotted skin gives all the uniqueness to his representations, thus recognizable from miles away. If the young Nigerian always had a pencil or a paintbrush in his hand since childhood, he decided to wear the hat of a full-time artist three years ago. A pivotal decision that marked the beginning of an exciting chapter and made him a promising artist whose name is now on the lips of art collectors from all around the world.

With portraiture, Makama John explores a way to (re)take and retain control over the image, and therefore the perception, of the individuals who make up the multilayered cultural here and now of Africa. His work can be seen in the same vein as Amoako Boafo, Annan Affotey or Kehinde Wiley – from whom one can recognize the busy backgrounds –, artists who have greatly inspired his work. However, distinctness quickly became a crucial thing for the young painter who decided to cultivate a bold visual signature: sharp-eyed individuals represented with emerald green skin covered with black polka dots.

An unusual, yet brilliantly exploited, choice of pigment that John explains as coming from childhood memories when, growing up on his grandparents' farm, green would fill his daily visual environment. “It's the green we find on the farmland, everywhere it's always green during the rainy season. It is memories of me helping my granddad. I realized that with green, I could represent agriculture, growth, prosperity." Having grown up close to outdoors and vegetation also explains the recurrent insertion of botany in his works. 

One can see it as a poetic way to embody the ongoing bond that unites us to nature, our life cycle being not so different from that of the elements of nature; the same intricate rhythm of life that sees us born, grow, reproduce, wither and die just as flora. As for the black dots covering his subjects – who are mostly John's close friends – they symbolize all the individuals who, singularly, make up Africa's plurality.

Read more
Need help?
Where can I be delivered?

Artsper delivers internationally. The list of countries is available in the first step of your cart.

If your country is not listed contact us at [email protected] and we will see what we can do.

Note that Customs fees may apply for works shipped internationally. This is indicated in the first step of the shopping cart.

You can choose a delivery address different from the billing address. Make sure that a trusted person is present to receive the work if you cannot be there.

How do I showcase my work?

Have you purchased a painting, sculpture or work on paper?
Find our expert advice for the conservation and promotion of your works in the articles below:

Why choose Artsper for your art purchases

Artsper offers you access to more than 200,000 works of contemporary art from 2,000 partner galleries. Our team of experts carefully selects galleries to guarantee the quality and originality of the works.

You benefit from:

  • Works at gallery price

  • Return within 14 days, regardless of your location

  • Easy resale of the work purchased on Artsper

  • Personalized research tools (selection and tailor-made universe)

Our customer service is available for any assistance.

Protect your purchase with Artsper: Buy with confidence

At Artsper, our mission is to allow you to collect works of art with complete peace of mind. Discover the protections we offer at every stage of your shopping experience.

Buy works from top galleries

We work in close collaboration with carefully selected art galleries. Each seller on Artsper is carefully examined and approved by our team, thus ensuring compliance with our code of ethics. You therefore have the assurance of purchasing authentic, high-quality works.

Total transparency: you know what you are buying

Before being posted online, all artwork on Artsper is reviewed and validated by our moderation team. You can browse with complete peace of mind, knowing that each piece meets our criteria of excellence.

Personalized support: our experts at your service

Our team of contemporary art experts is available by phone or email to answer all your questions. Whether you want advice on a work or a tailor-made selection to enrich your collection, we are here to support you.

Resell your works with ease

If you have purchased a work on Artsper and wish to resell it, we offer you a dedicated platform to relist it. To find out more, click here.


Make offers with Artsper: negotiate like in a gallery

You have the possibility to propose a price for certain works, just like in a gallery. This feature allows you to initiate discussions and potentially acquire your coins at advantageous prices.

Get help with your negotiations

Our team will negotiate for you and inform you as soon as the best offer is obtained. Do not hesitate to call on our expertise to ensure a transaction at the best price.


Order securely

Artsper satisfaction assurance

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If the work you receive is not to your liking, you have 14 days to return it free of charge, and you will be refunded in full, whatever the reason.

Secure payment with Artsper partners

All credit card payments are processed by Paybox, the world leader in payment solutions. Thanks to their strict security standards, you can transact with confidence.

Problem Support

In the rare event that an artwork arrives damaged or not as described, we are here to help. Whether for a return, refund, restoration or exchange, our team will support you throughout the process and will ensure that we find the solution best suited to your situation.

Conditions to benefit from Artsper protections:

  • Use one of the payment methods available on Artsper for your order.

  • Report any problems within one week of receiving the work.

  • Provide required photographic evidence (including original artwork and packaging).

Artsper guarantees cover the following cases:

  • The received work lacks a described characteristic (for example, a signature or frame).

  • The artwork has significant differences from its description (e.g. color variation).

  • The work is damaged upon receipt.

  • The work is lost or damaged by the carrier.

  • Delivery is significantly delayed.

With Artsper, you collect with complete peace of mind.