Erikan Ekefrey

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.