Not Hopeless, 2024

Agbabiaka Johnmark  

Born into a family where art was a cherished heritage, I was deeply influenced by my mother's mastery of batik and tie-dye techniques learned from Mama Nike Art Gallery. Early sketches on her wax-covered table marked the beginning of my artistic journey, fueling my innate passion for drawing and creativity.

After completing my National Diploma in Fine Art at The Polytechnic Ibadan, I faced challenges at Yabatech but remained steadfast. I attended classes for two years and diligently completed assignments despite bureaucratic obstacles. This resilience shaped my artistic identity and taught me the value of perseverance.

Over the years, I've embraced dual roles as both an art teacher and a self-employed visual artist, nurturing creativity while sharing my enthusiasm with others. Since 2013, I've immersed myself in these roles, constantly honing my skills and broadening my artistic perspective.

My artistic exploration has been enriched by diverse experiences, including contributing to graffiti branding projects for Nigeria Breweries Plc, volunteering with The Better You Foundation and The Culture and Peace Festival, and serving as an Art Curator at Brilliant Brush Gallery in Lagos. These experiences have broadened my artistic horizons and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art.

Recently, I participated in an art residency in Chicago as part of the Connect Art Residency cohort 4, hosted by Hollie Davies. This residency further enriched my artistic perspective and provided me with fresh insights and experiences to incorporate into my work.

I've had the honour of showcasing my work in various exhibitions globally, including Dragonfly Gallery Chicago, TAAG Gallery in New York, Harmer Gallery in London, Brilliant Brush Gallery in Nigeria, and Nosa Creatives in London, among others. These exhibitions have allowed me to connect with diverse audiences, share my artistic vision, and contribute to meaningful dialogues on important societal issues.

Now practising full-time in my Lagos-based studio, I continue to create art that resonates with audiences worldwide, focusing on themes of transatlantic slavery, black identity, and mental well-being. My journey, characterized by resilience, growth, and determination, serves as a source of inspiration, reflecting themes of strength, culture, and beauty within

the rich tapestry of black culture and human experience.