Nigerian artist explores clay as paint for contemporary portraits

Nigerian artist explores clay as paint for contemporary portraits

Nigerian creative artist, Olatunde Emmanuel, has developed a technique of turning natural clay into paint for contemporary portraits in a bid to  promote the use of locally sourced materials in the Nigerian art industry.

Using clay’s natural pigments along with ceramic oxides and binding agents, the ace artist creates vivid, durable portraits on canvas.

In an interview with the Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) on Sunday, Emmanuel said the innovation is inspired by his childhood fascination with art.

According to him, his interest in clay painting began after he observed clay being kneaded on a canvas-covered table and noticed that it left a stain on the canvas.

“I began to wonder, what if clay could be used for painting on canvas, what if there’s a way to it,” he said.

He said the idea was revived when he gained admission to study painting at the Higher National Diploma (HND) level and learnt about traditional paint production using natural materials such as plants, soil, rocks and shells.

According to him, he sources clay from settlements or purchases it from ceramics outlets, prepares it and adds oxides and binding agents to make it suitable for use on canvas.

He said the resulting material had a different effect from conventional paint.

“It’s different firstly because it’s produced manually, just me, and its effect is different. It’s not glossy, fast drying and matte in nature,” he said.

Emmanuel said the use of clay could encourage greater exploration of local materials while reducing cost and dependence on already processed materials.

According to him, beyond its artistic value, the method is an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to costly commercial paints, since clay is available across Nigeria.

“I believe using clay contributes to innovation because it opens people’s eyes to see more possibilities,” he said.

Read Also: Tinubu approves CVFF disbursement as Oyetola directs faster loan…

He said the major challenge initially was convincing people that clay could work as a reliable painting material, adding that interests had increased after people saw the results.

Emmanuel said Nigeria had abundant natural resources that could be explored for different purposes and create job opportunities for the youths, adding that his works would inspire young artists.

He identified lack of funding as a major challenge for Nigerian creatives seeking to develop locally sourced materials on an industrial scale.

The artist called on relevant government agencies to support creative ideas by providing funding and opportunities for research, testing and development.

“What important bodies and organisations can do to support artists is to follow through with their ideas, give them a chance to prove it, test it and make it work,” he said.

Emmanuel said his long-term plan was to take the clay painting concept to an industrial level, adding that there were other aspects of the idea he was yet to disclose.

“My vision is quite clear and large. I want to go industrial with it.

“There’s still more to my clay painting idea of which I can’t share here, you just have to wait till I reveal it,” he said.

He advised young artists to acquire knowledge, experiment and remain persistent in developing their craft.

“To young artists like me, every knowledge you come across, try to know something about it, be experimental, hardworking and persistent in your craft,” he said.