John Madu

JOHN MADU WAS BORN IN 1983 IN LAGOS WHERE HE STILL LIVES AND WORKS.

With a B.sc in policy and strategic studies, John Madu is a self-taught artist. He
knows how to embrace his individual style, with a wide array of mediums such as
acrylic paint, oil paint, spray paint, ink, burlap and collage.

John Madu is a multi-disciplinary, best known for his figurative symbolic style of
paintings, usually along the lines of the complexity of identity, social behaviour and the effects of cultural globalisation on individualism. His work can be described as eclectic because of how he derives ideas, from a various range of influences and sources based on popular culture, African history, art history and personal experiences. Symbolism is usually evident in his work, with reoccurring
iconography such as books, apples, and other recognisable items which convey a
certain meaning in art, and act as metaphors to a subject.

John’s source of inspiration is from a variety of places, but can be narrowed down
to a few things that inspire a major part of his art works, which could be current
situations affecting society, be it political, social or just banal everyday life issues.
Giving him opportunities and reason to record the history of his time, with the aid of resource materials such as magazines, books, social media, news and even real time situations. He believes the best kind of art is a reaction to certain issues of interest and divulging information to educate and also entertain.

His multidisciplinary approach has guided his creative interest in design objects,
sculpture, functional art, and even artistic fashion pieces. Madu’s art has been
featured in contemporary art exhibitions locally and internationally. He believes art
should be perceived as a time continuum like the way we see nature and an instantaneous reflection of the creative part of ourselves being expressed, when a
viewer comes in contact with his work.