This Nigerian Artist’s Artworks Are So Realistic It’s Hard To Believe He Used Nothing More Than A Pencil
Ken Nwadiogbu, 23, is a visual artist from Lagos, Nigeria, who specializes in 3D hyper-realistic drawings done with pencil and paper, creating pictures and portraits so realistic that you have to look twice to make sure these black and white drawings aren’t photographs.
Ken’s hyperrealistic art is completely self-taught and he has faced many challenges to become a recognized artist. “I learned the drawing technique myself, Ken told Bored Panda. “I finished with a BSc in Civil Engineering. So I never went to an art school or had any formal education in art.”
Having completed his degree, his parents were not wholly convinced of his choice to pursue his art full time. “That’s “African Parents” for you,” he said with a laugh. “They were concerned about financial stability, and how the world will view you. We have so many roadside artists in Lagos, so they were concerned I might be going towards that direction.”
As well as worrying the parents, another challenge for Ken to overcome was the Nigerian art world. “5 years ago when I started with these pencil drawings, there was little or no attention given it,” he explained. “There was no room to connect or understand art except if you went to an “art school”. There was this stigmatization of artists who didn’t study art. It was hard for a young artist like myself to evolve.” Thankfully, things are changing for the better now. “The art scene is growing. Now, I see young artists being inspired and trying to focus on their dreams. I can see opportunities springing up for even those who did not study art. So it’s a work in progress, and I’m thankful for that.”
Ken aims to achieve a deeper meaning through his amazing art, one which goes beyond the visually spectacular facade he presents into themes such as gender equality, African cultures, and black power. Outlining his vision, he told Bored Panda the stories behind his drawing ideas. “My art’s course is to pursue freedom of expression and belief, and to promote the voices of those rather unheard,” he said. “I also want to explore subtle desire and privilege. In The Nylon Series, there are views of enthusiasts of the typical African culture and morals. Okotogbam touches on emotion and strength of character, while The King’s Diary presents the possibilities of African Feminism, as seen in female patriarchy.”
Now busy with exhibitions around Nigeria, Ken is looking forward to opening his first solo show, with the theme of African female-feminine power. Oh, and it seems that he has finally won over his parents, who have accepted his decision to pursue a life as an artist. “I’m very sure they are completely convinced now. There’s so much love now in what I do,” he told us. “They want to be part of it. Every day they are bringing up suggestions for new beautiful drawings too, it’s so cute seeing parents do that.”
Scroll down below to see Ken’s stunningly realistic artworks below, and let us know what you think in the comments!
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“A close-up view of the artwork done with pencil on paper”
Gnaw, 2016
The Nylon Series
Soldier, 2016
Unleashed 1, 2015
Witnesses, 2016
Chairman
Batu, 2016
If I start to Talk, 2015-2017
Kilodé, 2015
Mother, 2016
Sani, 2016
Leave it torn a Little Longer, 2015
In the midst of Recession, 2015
Osiso Ndu (Mama Africa), 2014
On a Spaceship
Don Gorgon
Torn
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Share on FacebookHis drawings look more real than real people themselves ! My eyes still can't believe that these are pencil made sketches ...
No no no no, you won´t get me this time... These are photographs, aren´t they?... No...? Are you saying someone drew them? With a pencil?? wtf? what a blessing!
Inspirational. Amazing, literally awesome, as in they inspire awe. Just...damn. So good
Wow! When I saw the picture only I thought it was a photo then no scrolled down I almost fell of my chair
Absolutely incredible work would love to meet him as a fellow artist I admire such talent
He was self taught himself, that means he is meant to do it for his life and be successful in the near future. He reminds me of the other young man from UK, his name is Stephen Wiltshire, he was mute when young. At the age of three, he was diagnosed with autism. Both of them are very talent, wish them all the best and more success in life.
UNBELIEVABLE WORK!!! You will be known all over the world because of this incredible talent! I hope someone knows how to get in touch with Oprah.....She want believe this work either! Just unbelievable!!!!!!
I'm so taken with this work..... I can't think of a word to describe how amazing this work is. I'd love to be able to draw like this...... Don't stop drawing..... your work is totally unbelievable......
your apparently don't know the meaning of 3d. these are beyond excellent, but they're not 3d
He is actually a Nigerian prince. I have been having an email discussion with him. He is going to send me half of his $5,000,000 inheritance. I just need to send him $3,000 first to cover legal fees before the money can be released to me.
His drawings look more real than real people themselves ! My eyes still can't believe that these are pencil made sketches ...
No no no no, you won´t get me this time... These are photographs, aren´t they?... No...? Are you saying someone drew them? With a pencil?? wtf? what a blessing!
Inspirational. Amazing, literally awesome, as in they inspire awe. Just...damn. So good
Wow! When I saw the picture only I thought it was a photo then no scrolled down I almost fell of my chair
Absolutely incredible work would love to meet him as a fellow artist I admire such talent
He was self taught himself, that means he is meant to do it for his life and be successful in the near future. He reminds me of the other young man from UK, his name is Stephen Wiltshire, he was mute when young. At the age of three, he was diagnosed with autism. Both of them are very talent, wish them all the best and more success in life.
UNBELIEVABLE WORK!!! You will be known all over the world because of this incredible talent! I hope someone knows how to get in touch with Oprah.....She want believe this work either! Just unbelievable!!!!!!
I'm so taken with this work..... I can't think of a word to describe how amazing this work is. I'd love to be able to draw like this...... Don't stop drawing..... your work is totally unbelievable......
your apparently don't know the meaning of 3d. these are beyond excellent, but they're not 3d
He is actually a Nigerian prince. I have been having an email discussion with him. He is going to send me half of his $5,000,000 inheritance. I just need to send him $3,000 first to cover legal fees before the money can be released to me.
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