Artist Bio
TEDA is a multifaceted artist and creative with over a decade of experience who has built an expansive practice on contemporary art, illustration, and digital art. Working on diverse projects across different industries, TEDA has honed his skills as an artist and art director working with fashion, fintech, banking, advertising, and marketing brands. TEDA’s work is influenced by the personal, social, and cultural narratives that speak to the human experience evoking a unique feeling and experience for every viewer who comes in contact with his work.
Artist Statement
My artwork tells an engaging story of life's essence and the many layers of human emotions. Drawing from a wide palette of mediums, including pencils, spray paint, oil pastel, oil paint, and acrylic paints, I craft pieces that evoke reflection and connection.
In my art, designs, and visual work, I currently use vibrant colours with bold, defining lines, particularly to craft a visual language that communicates the complexity of life. I'm particularly interested in portraiture, as it allows me to explore personal stories and general human emotions. Through contemplation of my work, I believe viewers are encouraged to reflect upon their own inner landscapes and emotional journeys.
I currently use cultural symbols and themes, such as tribal marks in my artistic expression, because I am proud of my Yoruba cultural heritage. I am intrigued by the idea of harmonic interplay between conflicting elements in nature, a theme that frequently manifests in my work.
Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria has an impact on me as an individual and artist. I get to see and feel the impact of my Lagos experience in my artwork. Also, the diversity of people from different parts of Nigeria and the world consistently interacting with high energy are what I represent in the vibrant colour schemes that I work with.
From over 15 years of practise, creating unique art, I have worked with and explored several ideas, media, and materials. Some of these are pencil works on paper, digital illustration on canvas, a bit of photography, coloured pencil on artist paper, acrylic paints, oil paints, spray paints which I am currently incorporating into my work, metal/building paints, and painting shipping containers. Using these materials, I have been able to work on mural projects for offices, paintings, fashion illustrations, and brand communication designs.
I believe in the spirituality of African art and how they can be expressed and communicated through my artwork. I worked on a Father’s day project in June 2022 when I was able to experiment with the idea of an open confession box. It was about getting Nigerian fathers to be vulnerable with their children for Father’s day (see link below). In November 2022, I worked with a group of performers, including drummers and a masquerade, where we worked together to create a performance art.
My ultimate goal is to start important conversations and foster a greater understanding of the humanity we share.