Art is not limited to galleries; it’s a tool for societal transformation, Nigerian artist and founder of Lizaad Studio, Chuma Anagbado, told Sputnik Africa.
“Art should also be part of our day-to-day life. The work should be in buildings that people walk into. It should be in public spaces," he emphasized.
With a vision that transcends national borders, he is determined to create art that resonates globally while continuing to tell stories of African identity.
“I want my work to be globally recognized [...] as an artist that has been able to use it as a tool to impact society and express themselves.”
Anagbado is reshaping the art world by merging traditional African techniques with modern, high-precision technology. Driven by a passion for innovation and rooted in his Igbo heritage, Anagbado’s work goes beyond aesthetic appeal to foster a deep connection to identity and culture. His unique approach, which blends the old with the new, is fueled by both creative accidents and his spirit of resilience.
"What drew me to combine traditional and digital arts techniques, I think it was just accidents because a lot of my work is also spirited," he shared, reflecting on how his return to art was spurred by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that time, he explored the intersection of fine art and digital formats, paving the way for his signature hybrid style.
His meticulous work, often characterized by its striking detail, aims to rival the precision of Scandinavian or Japanese craftsmanship yet remains deeply African at its core.
As it was mentioned above, Anagbado’s art is heavily influenced by his Nigerian Igbo roots, with a mission to elevate and celebrate African culture through precision and innovation.
"I belong to the school of thought that [...] we need to take the best of our indigenous ideologies, and fuse [it] with the best of modern technology to create a hybrid art-making process," he concluded.