Introduction

Nmesoma Okereke (known as Nddy) is a 24 year old photographer (and recent digital artist) from Enugu State, Nigeria. Her photography journey began in 2017 as a hobby, her focus was to capture the essence of life through photography, despite being camera shy herself..

It was really a tough time in transforming my hobby into a career, but I knew that photography would create a niche for me, so I pursued it.

Itan Artwork and Experience

My genesis piece on Itan is called ‘Bloody Mary’. It was inspired by my admiration of the female gender. How women are courageous and confident. It’s a piece that is centered on a tall, slender, powerful young woman with ivory skin and the ability of the female to control men both sexually and otherwise with her prowess. The model wears a crimson robe that reveals her silhouetted body; because I believe that the female body is sacred. This piece as well pays tribute to the ability of women to channel their abilities to get what they truly deserve.

My journey in ITAN World began late in 2023; and I can tell you for a fact that it’s been a blessing since then. Apart from the vast opportunities available on Itan World; I’m most grateful to be a part of this community of phenomenal artists who can also identify with the struggles of being an African artist whilst using these challenges as an opportunity to channel their magnificent works. I’mm focused on using the amazing opportunities available as an avenue to improve my art and keep pushing myself.

I hope to continue to impact and remain active in the NFT community by using my art to create connections in various communities while being an embodiment of love and support towards other artists. Support as we know comes in various forms and I intend to support various artists by giving back to the community when I can and also being able to give moral support to struggling artists. This year I intend to collaborate with more artists in the space which would facilitate growth for both me and the artist.

I believe strongly in the power of creating connections and finding communities to belong to, especially those outside the African community. This is a powerful tool necessary for building lasting relationships in the NFT space. A lot of the connections I’ve made both within and outside the African community with both artists and collectors alike has impacted greatly on my craft and also helped with visibility for my art.

Web3 Experience

I heard about NFTs through a friend in University. My transition from a traditional photographer to a pioneering digital artist began in late 2021. To be honest the great financial opportunities the space offered motivated me at first to join the space but as time progressed I realized that the space offered more than financial opportunities; it had the potential to give my art global visibility as well as shape my art into a brand.

Being accepted to the Itan World is one of my best moments since I joined the NFT space. Before I joined the NFT space, I’d never had the opportunity for any of my works to be featured in any exhibitions outside of Nigeria but through some of these connections I’ve had my art featured in notable exhibitions and galleries. These connections are important not just because of all I stand to gain but building connections helps give me a sense of belonging.

Physical exhibitions gave me an opportunity to reach out to a wide range of audiences especially (collectors, and artists alike). These are some of the impacts of displaying my art in notable exhibitions and events here in the space. They’ve all in one way or the other positively shaped my career as an NFT artist. I’m particularly passionate about the upcoming exhibition in Nigeria between Itan World and The Countervail Art Gallery in Abuja, Nigeria during February/ March 2024 — I happen to have the privilege of being one of the selected photographers in this exhibition!

Shoutout

I want to give a shoutout to an artist who has always been here for me in the space @Adebisi_Olami_ and a special shoutout to @juujuumama who has been nothing but a pillar of support both in and outside the space.

And moreover, one of the best pieces of advice I’d give to any artist in the space is that they should in everything have patience, learn from every experience, celebrate every win no matter how small and most importantly enjoy your journey because it’s not going to be easy but it is indeed worthwhile.

Check out Nddy’s artwork on Foundation: https://foundation.app/@Nddy_1759

Introduction

Emmanuel (known as IamEmmages) is a 25 years old photographer from Ebonyi State, Nigeria — he’s been taking photos for nearly a decade.

Web3 Experience

It was challenging at first, a good challenge. I was willing to ride with it and see how far it could take me. But recently, especially within the past two years, I’ve seen tremendous progress within the space of photography in web3. I have done projects that I am proud of, built strong connections with really important people, and also gotten some recognition with the current brand of camera I shoot with.

Success with Self Portraits

I have also sold quite a bit of my works. Recently, I sold out drop of 30 [1/1]s on Foundation. 90% of my work is multiple exposure self-portraits. I practiced with self shots rather than getting a model, because I felt more comfortable taking shots of myself. Over the past 13 months, I’ve shot over a 100 self-portraits. Shooting that much made me understand the techniques better, especially with each series or single image I create.

Itan Artwork & Experience

There are some pieces I have to create first before the inspiration or title jumps at me after I am done creating the piece. And “Ubuntu” is one of these pieces. The title — Ubuntu is a southern African term that could be loosely translated as; I am because you are. Another way of putting it is, “I exist because of your humanity towards me”. The Itan World community is very supportive of each other and we’re getting a lot of eyeballs on our works collectively. It’s lovely to be part of a community who shares passion for West African Art.

Physical Exhibitions

Recently, I was selected for a group physical exhibition happening in Nigeria, Abuja — The Binary Opposition Photography Exhibition in collaboration with iTAN, which I am excited for — it will be the first physical exhibition my work is being shown in.

Shoutouts

I want to acknowledge and extend my gratitude to Diane Scrofani, for being ever supportive and a great friend ever since our paths crossed. I also want to share a piece of advice a good friend of mine in this space gave me a while ago, he said ‘Keep making great art and focus on that the rest should come together nicely’. Patience might be the least exciting thing, but it’s not the least important.

Follow Emmages on Foundation:

https://foundation.app/@iamemmages/uw-a372/11

Introduction

Tito is a 20 year old visual artist from Lagos, Nigeria. He uses photography to talk about love and what happens within his community.

I joined the NFT space in 2022, through the help of social media and some friends. I have been exploring creative possibilities since. When I first joined the space, it was a bit overwhelming and challenging. However, I soon met some artists who offered guidance and support (like Kafani, Zuko and Mofasa) — their help made me understand the world of NFTs and also helped in my growth as an artist.

Itan Experience

I was so happy and honored when I was asked to be part of the community. Itan World gave me an opportunity to have my first ever sale on Foundation and also to receive great support from other artists on Foundation — it’s a privilege to connect with different types of artists who share the same vision. My aim is to keep creating art and winning together! I’m also excited for the upcoming physical Itan exhibition in Abuja, Nigeria.

Shoutouts

Shoutout to Tuyi, Sierra, Zuko, Kafani, Nini, Midday, Mofasa, MoRufy, SimplyFera and Musty who have contributed greatly to this journey. To my fellow artists, keep creating and believe in whatever you do — there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Check out Tito’s artwork on Foundation:

https://foundation.app/@Tito-art/bol-3c16/7

Introduction

Theophilus Dike (known as Shekwolo) is a 21 year old AI Artist from Niger State, Nigeria, he is currently studying Architecture.

It all started with a sketchbook. I started by utilizing patterns and transforming them into shapes. I am also delighted in the use of different colors in my work of art.

The African arts community in Web3

I joined the NFT Space early 2022, and it hasn’t been an easy journey. I share my art to my audience via social media (and my friends) to get critique/feedback and it has really helped me. I have witnessed incredible support from the community, and a lot of amazing artists have inspired me.

Shekwolo’s Itan Artwork ‘Ubuntu’

My piece is inspired by the roots of African tradition, drums. Everyone likes the sounds of drums, because it is really pleasing to the soul. The piece was inspired by African drummers, African drums have been used in various forms: Traditional weddings and also as means of communication. This artwork will be exhibited at NFT NYC in April 2024, my first exhibition and I am so excited about it!

Shoutouts

Shoutout to Sierra and my collectors for being part of my journey. I would like to share this quote which says “The struggle is part of the journey. Everyone goes through it. Keep going and don’t give up — no matter what, keep creating and sharing.

Check out Shekwolo’s artwork on Foundation: https://foundation.app/@Shekwolo/dtd-adb7/12

Introduction

@therealJayarts is a 22 years old creative designer and artist from southern Nigeria.

Around 2019 I met Olayemi, who was both a digital and traditional artist. Meeting him changed my life and my approach to art in general. He showed me the possibilities of digital art.

I wouldn’t say my preferred style is purely digital; rather, my preferred style is simply creating art. Tomorrow, I might decide to become a full-time traditional artist or integrate AI into my art, I don’t like labels.

My art traverses different spaces, yet there are a few recurring themes I paint about more often: love, life, and death.

Jay’s Web3 Experience

I minted my first work on Opensea in late 2021. Being active isn’t even a question; I’ve been here when things weren’t even working. I’m not about to leave now. I’m truly grateful for everything — no take backs or regrets.

Constantly trying to go beyond whatever I have done before. Not just by buying art, but also showing genuine support and reaching out to my fellow artists, contributing to their lives in one way or another.

I love people, good conversations, building relationships — I’m big on that.

Brotherhood for We Dey Together Exhibition

Itan World. Who doesn’t want to tell their story to the world? (Laughs) Immediately after Sierra picked up a piece from me, she asked if I would like to be part of Itan World, and I was absolutely thrilled. It’s not solely about how much you can market yourself; when the time is right, it’s right.”

‘Brotherhood’ is such a unique piece; I’ve never created anything highlighting the relationship between both ethnic tribes. On a more serious note, I hope each tribe finds peace. I know most people in my generation don’t really care about certain stories; we just focus on ourselves. I hope that in the near future, we see ourselves as people, not defined by our tribes or language.

Supporting the African arts community

As Africans, we haven’t progressed. I could literally mention the top people in the space, and we aren’t even 50! We’ve got incredible artists in the space; all they need is genuine support and people vouching for each other. It’s simple. We want to get better, we want to be at the top? We won’t do that by going alone.

Shoutouts

My bro @thegr8liberat0r ; he’s literally had my back since day one! I really appreciate him, and I would love to see his works at the top because he deserves it! Shoutout to Allan, Kiel, Davidobi, 7ife, Sash! Top people, for real!

See more of Jay’s Art on @foundation : foundation.app/@Jayarts/wtas/2

Introduction

Promise, who goes by artistic nicknames “Lord Morpheus” and Themainugly ”, is a 17 year old self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Ondo, Nigeria who is currently based in Lagos.

His digital art journey began with Photoshop in 2018 on a Pentium all-in-one Dell desktop with only a keyboard and a mouse. In Feb 2022, he started experimenting with 3D art using Blender. Currently, he creates both 2D and 3D art.

Most of my artworks are inspired by what is happening currently in my life. I do it consciously and unconsciously (putting my story in my art), but most of the time it’s intentional. What drives me to keep making art is that I find solace in it, it’s by far one of the best means of communication for me.

Itan Experience & Artwork Inspiration

Itan World is the first time I’ve been around so many artists from the same side of the world as me, it’s been a tremendous experience so far and surpassed my expectations!

The piece listed in Itan titled “the NO-rth FACE” is from a collection with the same name, which holds inspiration from everything from my life — particularly how I love to be the big man behind the keyboard with NO FACE revealed.

This artwork is about the moment when I hid my face, my nationality, who I am, my age, my name from this space and I left everyone wondering who I was. Made me feel like I had multiple personalities and I was nobody at the same time.

It’s also inspired by the moments in my life when I felt insecure about how I looked and desperately wanted to hide my face from the world around me. I always had a mask on wherever I was going just to hide my face. NO FACE* the NO-rth FACE.

2024 Goals

I plan on growing both my web2 and web3 audiences in 2024, while staying true to my artistic vision. I see myself first exploring my creativity in 2D, then later merging my 3D renders with 2D (matte painting) — it’s been something I’ve wanted to try for a long time now!

Advice to Artists

Don’t wait until the moment you have the best equipment before you start creating! Don’t be scared to try out new things and always experiment. I believe experimenting and working without limitations can produce transformation. Learn to have the courage to embrace your imperfections, no art can be really ‘finished’ or ‘perfect’. There’s always room to grow and improve.

Accept the fact that not everyone will like your craft, always be open to constructive and unconstructive criticism of your work. Be you and never be afraid to shoot your shot when you see opportunities. The worst they can ever do is say bad words or never reply!

Shoutouts

“Shout out to my OG’S:

@itunu_kunle

@incalstory

@iamMaskarade

@nych_art

@AnthonyAzekwoh

@flo_renaux

@Twinney_A

@Minotaur_Man

@365hues

@1000___Words

@ValyaNarts

@CustomHorror

@kemar74

@sidvisuals_

@naehrstff_nft

@patricksartz_

@MarischaBecker

@Dele_Tuyi

The way these list of artists just keep inspiring me to just keep walking and flying on!

See all of @themainugly’s work on @foundation

here: https://foundation.app/@themainugly?tab=created .

Introduction

Kingdavid Abraham is a 21 year old, self-taught visual artist and digital illustrator based in Abuja, Nigeria. He began exploring digital mediums in 2020, after starting as a realism sketch artist.

Kingdavid is known for his vibrant use of colors, figure realism and abstract forms — exploring themes like mental health and the human condition/consciousness. He’s also passionate about other artistic forms like painting, murals, craft making and poetry.

2D artworks with a 3D effect

The intensity of colors captures the attention of my audience, expressing strong passion and emotion. The 3D effect required a lot of experimentation with different digital painting techniques. I create using only Adobe Photoshop. Each piece begins as a sketch, next a grayscale method of painting is done after applying the base gray color. By manipulating the blend modes of my Photoshop layers, I discovered new effects of my brush strokes. Not only do I paint the pieces with intense details to look 3D, but I apply the vast layer modes to give it more depth.

Itan World Experience

It’s a lovely gathering of fellow West African artists, which makes it easy to feel at home. The curator @juujuumama does a rare job of not just curating, but fostering a strong community. It gave me the chance to push the boundaries of my art style and create a piece that was tied to my African heritage — something I doubted was possible with my painting style. ITAN shows the importance of networking and building a community — with the right network, an artist can build a solid community around their brand, which is important for career growth and survival.

Artistic Intentions

I’m focused on the present and constantly improving myself. Sometimes we get caught up in obsessing over things we can’t control, and this can have negative results on our psyche. It’s best to focus on personal growth and genuine connections. These two things help you weather any storm or new developments.

I’m still figuring things out as I go. I often create for myself firstly, but there are many out there who can relate with what I share, so that in itself is a blessing. I want my art to inspire uniqueness in others and to influence the world to greater value art and artists. I’ve previously participated in and helped organize digital art exhibitions to further this cause and I hope to continue to do so.

Shout outs and special mentions

There is a long list of people whom I’m grateful to. Their support is the one thing that has helped take me this far, like my first collector @saucebook a few trusted friends/collectors too like @Phenomhk, @darien0x, @BuyHi_Sell_Low and @CaptainMorie

I honestly can’t mention them all, and I’d hate to leave anyone out.

@juujuumama has been of great support to everyone in the ITAN community, not just myself. She’s more than deserving of her flowers!

See all of @Kinggdavid__’s work on @foundation here: https://foundation.app/@Kinggdavid__

Introduction

K! (pronounced Kei-lani) is a 22 year old digital artist and biochemistry student from northern Nigeria 🇳🇬.

He loved to draw as a kid, and became a well known comic artist in his school. By 16, he started using a sketchbook app to create digital illustrations. K! joined the NFT space in early 2022.

Art style: Simple, Detailed and Deep.

I created a piece titled ‘The chemistry between’ last year and my reference wasn’t the size of the canvas resolution. I had to improvise by adding a hand drawn borderline. Didn’t really see it as anything at that moment, but the borderline became a thing for me — keeping my art details simple and easy to understand. That’s my style in general — simple detailed art with deep meanings.

King of Collaborations

I came across an art by @Dele_Tuyi. and I really liked it. I wanted to create a merged art piece, I asked and I was granted permission. The result came out so good! I couldn’t believe how it happened.

Working with other artists helps me to get inspiration and see things with their own eyes. Plus, collaboration always keeps me focused and energetic to create art.

Why did you want to be apart of Itan?

For me, there’s no greater milestone to reach than getting eyes all over the world to see my art. That’s like the first step to greater achievement. If it gets to the right eyes, it’ll make connections and pave the way to bigger opportunities for me.

A world curated for African artists? I had to be a part of it, it’s like a call from the origin, and you just had to be there. Big appreciation to @juujuumama, asides curating, she’s doing a good job carrying everyone in the world along and that also creates a conducive atmosphere for different artists to relate together. It’s been a joyride so far.

Advice from K! to Emerging Artists

There’s always a distinct feeling of accomplishment you get when someone randomly sees your art and they like it at first sight. The feeling gets amplified when they want to own that art.

It’s fulfilling, and things like this keeps you motivated to put more art out there, and show yourself to the world no matter what, whether you’re selling art or not. There are people watching you, and appreciating you.

It might seem exhausting and tiring but just keep making your art and have a strong will, good things will come surely. Big shoutout to every artist showing up everyday, the Art Support System Group. A big thank you to @nuel_arts can’t thank him enough, I pray all he prays for gets to him!

See More of @1kaylanii’s Art : linktr.ee/1kaylanii