The said Champ (Iron Mike), 2024

Merenini Williams  

Williams Merenini is a Nigerian-born visual artist who hails from Naze, Imo state. He received formal art training at Tope Fatumbi Art Studio, where he honed his artistic dexterity and also networked with creative minds in the art space, with Artists like David Olatoye and Boluwatife Oluwadamiyato.

Williams has been featured in different exhibitions which include; Nu-Africa online exhibition Artsy in November 2021 and Lagos to London Book launch at the British High Commissioner's residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. The exhibition `IMPRESS ME' featuring alongside with 10 other artists at Alexis Galleries at VI Lagos Nigeria curated by Princess Uzor  Lagos Art Shows NYC.

Artist Statement

Williams represents the complexity and ambiguity of humans with brush and paints on canvas. His works reflect the diversity in one's personality, yet the same identity. He is intentional and very particular about the personal life of an individual because it is first, a person before the family and then the society. This is evident in his subject's skin texture and how people are seen and known by their character on their skin and faces.

He prioritizes the hand of his subjects because of his notion about the endless handshake exchange between humans as a form of greeting. He feels the palm should be guarded jealously because of the popular saying that "one's destiny can be predicted through his palm and the great things that can be achieved with the hand".

He portrays his subject using acrylic paint to document the ideas and stories that encompass the importance of gender equality, mental health, emotions, and the challenges faced in the journey of life and growth. He wants his works and titles to spark conversation and serve as a channel of hope.