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The Ekefrey Collection

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To view other artworks that are not in The Ekefrey Collection, please visit Erikan Art

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Father & Son

 

 

Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey

"Colour beautifies the world. African masks are seen as an element of ugliness; my role is to use vibrant colours to beautify what is termed as ugly." - Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey

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Born in 1952 into a lineage of men with the gift of artistry, I have always been inspired by my father who was the finest wood carver in Ikot-Ukap. As a young boy, running around barefoot on the streets of Ndiya village, I played around with charcoal and drew line expression on sand. This has metamorphosized over the years into delicate forms on canvas. My themes are a reflection of common events within the society. My paintings have a signature of "gigantism" a term that I employ to occupy every useful space in my canvas to draw viewers into deeper engagement with my paintings. With my lens on my Ibibio cultural roots, my work celebrates the aesthetics of the ancestral masks of my people with keen emphasis on Ekpe masquerade and the Abang maiden dancers.

 

I have exhibited my works in major galleries around the world: France, USA, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Venezuela, and my Fatherland, Nigeria, to mention a few.

 

Erikan Ekefrey

Through a distinct African style of narration, my paintings depict cultural heritage and traditions using vibrant colors and lyrical forms which are both 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. 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. 

 

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. 
 

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 (Nigerian) art to the world through sharing the rich narrative of my culture, heritage and community.  

 

To view other artworks that are not in The Ekefrey Collection, please visit Erikan Art

biography.

Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey

Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey, born in 1952 in Ndiya, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, is a distinguished self-trained artist who has emerged as a significant figure in the contemporary art scene, particularly known for his vibrant and dynamic paintings. A proud member of the Ibibio ethnic group, which is renowned for its rich traditions in music, dance, painting, and sculpture, Ekefrey's works not only reflect the cultural heritage of his ancestry but also the bustling life of the metropolis of Lagos, where he currently resides and creates. Ekefrey's artistic journey has been deeply influenced by the teachings and legacy of his ancestors. Growing up as the son of a renowned carver, he developed a profound appreciation for the artistic expressions inherent in his Ibibio culture. Despite this strong cultural foundation, he has charted his own path since 1979, creating a unique style he refers to as "Uyai (Beautiful) Art." This self-defined approach is characterized by the innovative "all-over" painting technique, where paint is applied to large, unstretched canvases laid flat on the ground. This method allows for a fluid application of shapes, figures, lines, and colors, producing an exhilarating dynamism that captivates viewers.

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Emmanuel Ekefrey | Ekefrey Collection | Bio Pic

The hallmark of Ekefrey's work lies in its intricate complexity. His large-scale canvases are filled with a profusion of forms that often evoke a sense of movement, guiding the viewer's eye across the artwork. This visual journey is designed to immerse the observer, creating a multi-dimensional experience that transcends the conventional boundaries of painting. The absence of a defined horizon line further enhances this effect, inviting deep engagement and contemplation. His artistic artwork has garnered significant recognition, with exhibitions held in notable art centers across Europe, the USA, and Mexico. Ekefrey's work has been showcased in prestigious venues such as the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) and has been included in numerous group exhibitions that highlight African art's global relevance. Beyond his exhibitions, Ekefrey’s contributions to the art world extend to publications, including features in "French Revolution, a Nigerian Perspective," co-authored by Emeka Nwokedi and Jean-Pascal Daloz in 1990, paintings featured in Nobel Prize African novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah books for cover art in 2021, and "A King's Passion: A 21st-Century Patron of African Art" by Sandra Mbanefo Obiago in 2024, to name a few.​

 

Ekefrey’s passion for art is driven by his commitment to glorify African culture and its narratives. He believes that every individual possesses a unique gift that deserves to be nurtured and expressed freely. His paintings are not merely aesthetic pursuits; they serve as a dialogue with the community, reflecting contemporary life while honoring the rich cultural tapestry of the Ibibio people and the broader African context. In addition to his painting career, Ekefrey has received accolades for his contributions to art and culture, including awards from various art festivals. His work continues to resonate with audiences both locally and internationally, affirming his role as a pivotal figure in the promotion of African art on the global stage. Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey remains an influential voice in contemporary art, constantly exploring the intersection of culture, identity, and modernity through his innovative artistic expressions.

Erikan Ekefrey

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Erikan Ekefrey's journey as an artist is a beautiful blend of family influence, passion, and dedication. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, he was introduced to the world of art at a very young age, thanks to his father, who is also a renowned painter. The early exposure to his father’s large-scale works and the collaborative experience of painting alongside him laid a solid foundation for Erikan's artistic development. As a child, he was involved in his father's creative process, filling in strokes on the canvas, which not only became a part of his chores but also an important step in shaping his craft.
 

When Erikan left home in 2000 to live independently, he faced challenges in navigating the art world, including pricing his work. One pivotal moment occurred when he showed his paintings to a man who appreciated their value far more than Erikan did at the time. The man’s feedback—that Erikan's art was worth more than the price he was offering—served as a turning point. Instead of buying the pieces, he gave Erikan transportation money, an amount that was ironically equal to the price Erikan had initially set. This act of encouragement inspired Erikan to commit more seriously to his art.

 

Erikan’s breakthrough came in 2010 when he began selling his works to friends, leading to a growing network of supporters. In 2012 was his first international group exhibition in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

 

While at his first group exhibition, he met his first manager from 2012 to 2013. While under his management, Erikan would earn exhibitions in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Rome (Italy) and also his works were acquired by the Museum of Modern Art Equatorial Guinea. In 2014, he would work with his second manager for the next 2 years. From there, he would earn exhibitions in the United States. These exhibitions from both managers would mark the beginning of his international career, and from there, he would go on to showcase his paintings in countries across the world, including: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Denmark, Italy, South Africa, Senegal, Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Algeria, Morocco, Belgium, Ghana, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, France, Germany, United States, England and China, among others.

 

Erikan studied art at the Federal College of Education in Akoka, Lagos, and his works are known for their use of acrylic and oil paint on canvas. He is particularly recognized for his vibrant use of color and his portrayal of cultural heritage and traditions. His paintings often feature mask-like faces, blending both figurative and abstract elements, creating a powerful representation of African identity and the importance of cultural expression.His career continues to flourish, with exhibitions in numerous countries across the world, and his work has gained recognition in galleries, museums, and festivals globally. Through his art, Erikan Ekefrey tells stories that celebrate the richness of African culture while exploring universal themes of identity, tradition, and the human experience.

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Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2021

  • Thought Pyramid Art Centre – “Masked Faces” – Lagos, Nigeria

2008

  • Alliance Française – Lagos, Nigeria

2006

  • Alliance Française – Lagos, Nigeria

2002

  • Nimbus Art Gallery – “Surviving The Inferno” – Lagos, Nigeria

2001

  • French Cultural Centre – Lagos, Nigeria

2000

  • French Cultural Centre – Lagos, Nigeria

1997

  • Signature Gallery – Lagos, Nigeria

1995

  • Le Vallon du Villaret – Bagonols-les -bains, France

1994

  • Dany Keller Galerie – Eichelhardt, Germany

1991

  • Espace Paul Boye – Sete, France

  • Binoche et Godeau Gallery – Paris, France

1990

  • French Cultural Centre – Lagos, Nigeria

1989

  • "Deutsch Nigerianischen Gesellschaft e.V." – Bonn, Germany

1988

  • Goethe Institut – Lagos, Nigeria

  • Square Gallery – "Champ de Mars" – Angoulême, France

1986

  • French Cultural Centre – Cotonou, Benin

1985

  • French Cultural Centre – Lagos, Nigeria

  • Goethe Institut – Lagos, Nigeria

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GROUP EXHIBITIONS​

2019

  • African Art – Kenya

2010

  • Alliance Française – Lagos, Nigeria

2008

  • Alliance Française – "Expresiones Africanas" - Margarita Island – Caracas, Venezuela

  • International Art and Culture Festival – Gallery Sigvardson – Rødby, Demark

2007

  • Dany Keller Galerie – "African Stories" – Eichelhardt, Germany

2001

  • French Cultural Centre – Lagos, Nigeria

2000

  • Elf Village – Port Harcourt, Nigeria

1999

  • Elf Village – Port Harcourt, Nigeria

1998

  • Goethe Institut – Lagos, Nigeria

  • Elf Village – Port Harcourt, Nigeria

1997

  • Signature Art Gallery – Lagos, Nigeria

1996

  • Venetian Gallery – Madrid, Spain

1995

  • Le Vallon du Villaret – Bagnols-les-Bains, France

1993

  • African Biennale of Plastic Arts – Abidjan, Ivory Coast

1992

  • Cultural Center and Contemporary Art Museum – Mexico City, Mexico

  • Groninger Museum – Groningen, Netherlands

1991

  • Atlantic Centre of Modern Art – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

  • African Art – Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Espace Paul Boye – Sète, France

1990

  • French Cultural Centre – Lagos, Nigeria

1989

  • Nigerian Artists and the French Revolution – Lagos, Nigeria

  • Won “The Best Overall” Nigerian Artist in the French Revolution Contest – Lagos, Nigeria

1988

  • Champ de Mars Square Gallery – Solo painter of the Festival Luxurious Bus – Angoulême, France

  • 2nd Cosmopolitan Art Exhibition – Los Angeles, California, USA

  • Angoulême International Comics Festival – Angoulême, France

1986

  • French Cultural Centre – Cotonou, Benin, West Africa

1985

  • French Cultural Centre – Lagos, Nigeria

Erikan Ekefrey

FESTIVALS

 

2024

  • Fall Festival on Ponce | Atlanta, GA

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2023

  • Chastain Park Fall Arts & Crafts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Boardwalk Art Show | Virginia Beach, VA

  • Alexandria Old Town Art Festival | Alexandria, VA

  • Grant Park Summer Shade Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Summer Art Fair | Midland, MI

  • Chastain Park Spring Arts & Crafts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Chevy Chase Fine Art Fair | Chevy Chase, MD

  • Arlington Festival of the Arts | Arlington, VA

  • 4 Bridges Arts Festival | Chattanooga, TN

  • Atlanta Dogwood Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Naples Fine Art Show | Naples, FL

  • Art Fest by the Sea at Juno Beach | Juno Beach, FL

  • Gasparilla Festival of the Arts | Tampa, FL

  • MartinArts ArtsFest | Stuart, FL

 

2022

  • The Boca National Art Fair | Boca Raton, FL

  • Sarasota Fine Art Show | Sarasota, FL

  • Chastain Park Fall Arts & Crafts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Roswell Spring Arts & Crafts Festival | Roswell, GA

  • Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Boardwalk Art Show | Virginia Beach, VA

  • Fall Festival on Ponce | Atlanta, GA

  • Old Fourth Ward Park Arts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Fall Sandy Springs Artsapalooza | Sandy Springs, GA

  • Alexandria Old Town Art Festival | Alexandria, VA

  • Art in the Park | Marietta, GA

  • Grant Park Summer Shade Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Piedmont Park Arts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Madison Yards Artist Market | Atlanta, GA

  • InvestFest | Atlanta, GA

  • Roswell Lavender Festival | Roswell, GA

  • Chastain Park Spring Arts & Crafts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Roswell Spring Arts & Crafts Festival | Roswell, GA

  • Duluth Spring Arts Festival | Duluth, GA

  • Spring Festival on Ponce | Atlanta, GA

  • Spring Sandy Springs Artsapalooza | Sandy Springs, GA

  • 2021Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival | Atlanta, GA

  • Fall Festival on Ponce | Atlanta, GA

  • Sandy Springs Artsapalooza | Sandy Springs, GA

  • Atlanta Jazz Festival | Atlanta, GA

 

2012

  • Affordable Art Fair | Rome, Italy

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GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024

  • Black History Month Celebration and Exhibit | Lawrenceville, GA

2023

  • Black Artists Showcase | Sugar Hill, GA

2022

  • Black Artists Showcase | Sugar Hill, GA

  • Roots to Routes Exhibit | Roswell, GA

  • Juneteenth: What Freedom Means To Me | Alpharetta, GA

  • 360 Degrees of Healing Part 3 | Artfully Spaced Gallery | Los Angeles, CA

2020

  • Shanghai International Art Fair | The National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) | Shanghai, China

2016

  • Contemporary Art of Nigeria | Center for Contemporary African Art and Culture | Chicago, IL

  • AMREF Health Africa ArtBall | Celebrating African Contemporary Art | Manhattan, NY

  • Empower54 Annual African Art Charity Gala | Besharat Gallery | Atlanta, GA

2015

  • Abidjan Revel’Art Festival 4th Edition | Bingerville, Côte d’Ivoire

  • African Art Fair 2015 | Paris Galerie Joseph Turenne, 116 rue Turenne 75003 | Paris, France

2013

  • The Abidjan Diaries | The Abidjan Diaries with Camara Demba at Galerie Amani Carrefour Rue Pierre et Marie Curie et Rue duDocteur Blanchard Zone 4 | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

  • Art Revolution Exhibit | Oriental Hotel | Lagos, Nigeria

  • Palazzo Lucarini Contemporary Souvenirs D'Afrique | Virginia Ryan Collection of West African art | Galleria Civica |103, 41100 Modena MO, Italy, Corso Canal Grande

  • Exhibition at Arkadi | Institut Français | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

2012

  • Colors and Festival | Marina Resort | Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria

  • The Biennale International des Arts Naïfs d’Abidjan (BINA) | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

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SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2022

  • African Art Exposure | Carroll Street Café | Atlanta, GA

2021

  • “In The Face of Fear” | B Complex | Atlanta, GA

2020

  • “Experience The Cultural Heritage From The Motherland” | ArtBox | Atlanta, GA

  • African Art Exposure | Carroll Street Café | Atlanta, GA

2014

  • Coming to American Exhibit | Serengeti Gallery and Cultural Institute | Capitol Heights, Maryland, (Washington, DC)“

  • Eyes of Contemporary Art" | Alliance francaise de Lagos | 239 Herbert Macaulay Way Alagomeji Yaba Lagos, Nigeria

  • Black History Month Art Class Session | Riverdale Baptist School | Upper Marlboro, Maryland

2013

  • The Museum of Modern Art | Equatorial, Guinea​

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RESIDENCY

2013

  • David Camp | Benin, Nigeria

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PRIZE

2023

  • 1st Place "Best in Show Winner" | Summer Art Fair | Midland, MI

  • 3rd Place "Visual Arts Painting" | 4 Bridges Arts Festival | Chattanooga, TN

  • 1st Place "2D Painting" | MartinArts ArtFest | Stuart, FL

2022

  • "Featured Fine Artist" | Artfully Spaced Gallery | Los Angeles, CA

2012

  • The Biennale International des Arts Naïfs d’Abidjan (BINA) | Nominated | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

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ALBUM COVERS

2025

  • Erikan Art | "Burkina Faso" | Erikan Ekefrey | Album Cover 

2023

  • Erikan Art | "Mo Mi Si" | Erikan Ekefrey | Album Cover

  • Erikan Art | "Laba Laba" | Erikan Ekefrey | Album Cover

2020

  • Erikan Art | "Fela Kuti, International Thief Thief (I.T.T) Remix" | Armonica & Moblack Mix | Album Cover

2016

  • Erikan Art | "Fela, Afrodyssey Orchestra (M. Caporale Remix)" | MoBlack Records | Album Cover

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Emmanuel Ekefrey | Ekefrey Collection | Social Media
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Emmanuel Ekefrey | Erikan Ekefrey | Ekefrey Collection | Contact Us

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The artwork of The Ekefrey Collection is protected by copyright. Erikan Art, LLC does not tolerate any unauthorized use of The Ekefrey Collection works (including copies, derivative works or unlicensed merchandise) or any unauthorized use of The Ekefrey Collection (including Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey, Erikan Ekefrey and Edo Ekefrey) name or likeness to imply association, affiliation or endorsement. Please contact us to request permission or to notify us at 'ErikanArtwork@gmail.com' of any unauthorized use. Thank you for your support of The Ekefrey Collection works and legacy.

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