firm and strong

Artist

Stephen aifegha

Artist bio

My name is Stephen Aifegha, I was born in Lagos state; the western part of Nigeria often known as the New York of Nigeria, due to its metropolitan structure backed up with the daily hustle and bustle. My artistic practice is influenced by my identity and culture as an African, being born and raised in Nigeria; however, I like to identify myself more as African than “Nigerian”. I am a mixed media artist who uses original African fabrics and newsprint as a major element in my art, the African fabrics are used to show my identity as an African and also give an insight about my subject matter or narrative as it concerns issues regarding the African continent and the diaspora, the newsprint at the other hand, I use to seek texture and also make social commentary. Both the fabrics and newsprint put together creates a feeling of dynamism to the viewer. However, my subject matter and narrative as mixed-media artist center on historical, social, cultural issues that concern Africa in regard to cultural syncretism, identity issues, culture clash, and pride.

Visual Arts 2020 Contest

Title

Medium/Genre

Mixed Media

Artist Statement

this painting titled firm and strong as related to the spiritual battle found in Ephesians is a mixed media art where I use original African fabrics and newsprint as a major element, the African fabrics are used to show my identity as an African and also give an insight about my subject matter or narrative. the newsprint, on the other hand, I use to seek texture and also make social commentary.

How it fits into contest

This is a figurative of me as represented on my canvas, at the present moment in time when the world is in despair, as we face spiritual warfare. Firm and strong idealizes the scripture of Ephesians which says “be strong in the lord” the figure shows a man with determination and a fearless spirit in my painting titled “firm and strong” as we battle against the devil and his evil vices, a struggle against flesh and blood, against the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil.
In the painting the figure idealizes a symbol of hope and faith, the figure carries the armor of God as we take up the shield of faith, as the figure walks with feet footed with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.