Weekly Audio/Video

Art Podcasts

Artist Spotlight May 15, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: Ella Ojadi

Ella Ojadi is a contemporary figurative painter whose work explores the world through the lens of childhood and identity. Working primarily in portraiture, she captures quiet, intimate moments that reflect the emotions, memories, and formative experiences that shape who we become. Her subjects often embody tenderness, introspection, and the subtle weight of growing into selfhood. Drawing inspiration from classical painting traditions, Ojadi employs refined techniques in light, tone, and composition, while infusing her work with a distinctly contemporary sensitivity. Her paintings balance softness with emotional depth, creating images that feel both familiar and deeply personal. Through her practice, Ojadi invites viewers to reconnect with the innocence, vulnerability, and resilience embedded in early life, presenting figures that are not only seen, but felt.

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Artist Spotlight May 12, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: Kolawole Israel Adedeji

n this focused presentation, Kolawole Israel Adedeji emerges as a distinct voice in contemporary African portraiture—one who approaches the human figure not merely as representation, but as a psychological and emotional terrain. His works are marked by a signature visual language: the faceted, crystalline intervention across the face, rendered with deliberate precision and symbolic weight. These structures are not masks in the traditional sense; they are instruments of inquiry—tools through which the artist dissects identity, perception, and the fragile architecture of the self. Adedeji’s practice is deeply invested in the tension between visibility and concealment. His figures often appear composed, still, and introspective, yet beneath this calm surface lies a complex negotiation of internal states. In The Glance, the subject’s quiet gaze becomes a site of reflection, where the self is both guarded and revealed through the cool, refracted geometry of blue crystalline forms. In Chronicles of Love, this language intensifies—shifting from solitary introspection to relational depth—where love is expressed as both protection and vulnerability, embodied through intertwined figures and a more urgent, crimson palette. What distinguishes Adedeji’s work is his ability to hold contradiction without resolution. The softness of skin, the fluidity of fabric, and the warmth of human connection are set against sharp, angular disruptions—visual metaphors for emotional fragmentation, resilience, and reconstruction. His compositions often situate the figure within symbolic environments—circular forms suggesting wholeness or spiritual continuity, and botanical patterns evoking growth, renewal, and the organic unfolding of experience. Adedeji does not offer definitive answers about identity; instead, he presents it as a continuous process of becoming. His portraits resist the notion of completeness, proposing instead that the self is layered, evolving, and shaped by both internal reflection and external relationships. Through this body of work, Kolawole Israel Adedeji invites viewers into a space of quiet confrontation—where to look closely is to encounter not just the subject, but the shifting fragments of one’s own humanity. “I do not paint faces as they are—I paint them as they are felt, fractured, and reformed.”

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Artist Spotlight Apr 22, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: Ephraim Udoka

David Udoka's artistic vision is characterized by meticulous pencil drawings that capture the essence of his subjects. His portfolio boasts impressive commissions, including portraits of renowned figures like Vincent Enyeama, Marylyn McCoo, Billy Davis, and Anja Ringeren. Through his art, Ephraim strives to tell stories, evoke emotions, and provoke thought. His work transcends cultural boundaries, offering a unique perspective on the world we inhabit. As he continues to make his mark on the art world, Ephraim's creations serve as a testament to the power of artistic expression in forging connections and understanding across diverse landscapes.

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Artist Spotlight Apr 16, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: Kingsley Nwangborogwu

Kingsley Nwangborogwu (King Jacob) is a self-taught artist from Enugu, Nigeria, whose practice emerges from a deeply personal relationship with visual expression. Diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, he turned to painting as a primary mode of communication, transforming limitations into a powerful language of color, form, and narrative. Working with vibrant palettes and expressive compositions, King Jacob creates contemporary African artworks that explore identity, lived experience, and cultural memory. His paintings often draw from personal encounters and observations within his immediate environment, offering intimate yet universally resonant stories.

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Artist Spotlight Apr 12, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: Muktar Yusuf

Muktar Yusuf is a Lagos-based Nigerian visual artist whose work merges fantastical storytelling with metaphysical reflections on hope and light. Influenced by comic book visuals and traditional impressionistic techniques, he creates luminous compositions that explore resilience, imagination, and spiritual transcendence. A graduate of the prestigious Zaria Art School, Yusuf brings both technical discipline and expressive freedom to his practice. He has exhibited in notable Nigerian platforms including Thought Pyramid’s Undiscovered Abuja 2.0, The Artist Commune (10th Edition), Integrity Nigeria’s Art4Integrity, and the Benin Art Fair. Internationally, his work has featured in DERASOARS Beyond The Fragments Virtual Exhibition, ABSA L’Atelier promotional showcases, the Lumen Gallery Contest, and publications such as BOLD Journey and Poiema Magazine. Beyond his studio practice, Yusuf is a passionate illustrator and art tutor committed to mentoring emerging creatives while continually expanding the boundaries of his visual language. Submitted by TAAG Gallery https://www.artsy.net/artist/muktar-yusuf

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Artist Spotlight Apr 12, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: SAMUEL INALEGWU

Samuel Inalegwu is an artist whose work merges human and animal forms to explore cultural and emotional themes. Drawing from both African and Western influences, he uses acrylic, oil, pastel, charcoal, and markers to create vibrant and textured portraits. Samuel began his artistic practice after graduating from Benue State Polytechnic, with the COVID-19 pandemic shaping his focus on social and personal issues. His portraits feature natural and anthropomorphic figures, often dressed in attire reminiscent of prominent African and Western leaders. The detailed costumes and natural color palettes, highlighted by his signature blue hues, aim to convey deep connections and reflections on societal experiences. Samuel’s art is designed to resonate with viewers on an emotional level, encouraging self-reflection and a deeper understanding of the issues he addresses.

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Art History Apr 12, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: FAITH OMOLE

Faith Omole is a Nigerian visual artist from Kogi State whose work explores African identity, cultural symbolism, and social consciousness through expressive figurative painting. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, she incorporates traditional Adinkra symbols, cowries, and other cultural motifs to create layered narratives that reflect resilience, heritage, and the spiritual wealth found in community and family. Largely self-taught, Omole’s artistic practice is shaped by her background in activism and her commitment to telling authentic African stories. Her compositions often merge bold color, symbolism, and emotive figures to examine themes of belonging, cultural pride, and personal reflection. Through her work, Omole seeks to preserve and reinterpret African philosophies for contemporary audiences, inviting viewers and collectors to engage with stories that celebrate identity, tradition, and the enduring strength of African culture. https://www.artsy.net/artist/faith-omole

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Painting Apr 12, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: TARIKORO TAMUNOFIRI HENRIETTA

Henrietta’s paintings celebrate African beauty and identity with a quiet intensity, presenting her subjects with dignity, introspection, and emotional depth. Through nuanced color palettes and expressive surfaces, she creates spaces that invite contemplation and connection, encouraging viewers to see fragments of their own experiences reflected within her work. For Henrietta, art is both a process of self-discovery and a means of healing—a lifelong journey of translating inner emotion into visual form. Her work continues to explore the intersections of memory, nature, and identity, positioning the canvas as a bridge between silence and storytelling.

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Artist Spotlight Apr 09, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: DANIEL GYEKI GYAN

Daniel Gyekyi Gyan is a Ghanaian visual artist born in the Greater Accra Region. He discovered his artistic talent at a young age and pursued his passion through formal education at Salem Senior High School, Accra. To further hone his skills, he enrolled at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design, where he refined his technique and deepened his artistic vision. Today, Daniel creates from his studio, Gyekyi_D Art, where he brings his subjects to life through masterful compositions. His works are known for their warmth, honesty, intensity, and raw energy. He primarily uses acrylic paint and modeling paste, often applying small, expressive strokes with a palette knife to create texture and depth. As a seasoned painter, Daniel uses contemporary art to communicate meaningfully with his society. His subjects range from models, children, and cultural life to broader themes of social identity. His body of work frequently features African models and members of the diaspora, celebrating heritage, presence, and individuality. Daniel imbues each piece with a dynamic sense of movement, stillness, and poise, captivating viewers through both intimate portraiture and large-scale compositions. While primarily known for his figurative work, he also explores abstraction, allowing his unique perspective and inspiration to shape how each subject is portrayed.

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Artist Spotlight Apr 09, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: JOHN ALOGI

BIOGRAPHY Alogi John, an artist from Lagos, Nigeria, hails from a family with a rich artistic background. His passion for art ignited at a young age, influenced by his sculptor grandfather, known as ALOGI. Inspired by his uncle Shonde Raphael who is also an artist, Alogi began drawing characters from comic books and posters, nurturing his artistic talent. After completing his secondary education, Alogi pursued art more formally, joining an apprenticeship program at Talents Art Kingdom under the tutelage of his first master, Oyebola Olayinka Jacob OJ, in 2012. Seeking to enhance his skills, he enrolled in a National Diploma program in 2014 and a Higher Diploma program in 2018, specializing in painting at the esteemed Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. Driven by a desire for continuous growth, Alogi interned at Olokun Studio under the mentorship of Mr. Saheed Adelakun. Alogi's art reflects his memories, inner emotions, history, and personal experiences. He employs a unique "Puzzle technique" to convey these aspects on canvas, creating works that emphasize humor. His paintings have been showcased in various group exhibitions in Nigeria, and he was honored as one of the 10 finalists in the NEXT OF KIN series in Lagos in 2019. He was also announced as the winner of ArtCloud competition in 2023. Alogi's artistic journey continues to evolve as he draws inspiration from his motivations, explores new techniques, and channels his creativity into captivating works of art. STATEMENT In my work, I explore the intricate journey of resilience, self-improvement, and self-awareness. Each piece serves as a visual narrative, reflecting the trials and triumphs that shape our identities. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and universal human emotions, I aim to create art that resonates deeply with those navigating their own paths of growth. Resilience is the core of my artistic practice. It embodies the strength to rise after adversity, to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Through vibrant colors and dynamic forms, I convey the energy and vitality that comes from overcoming obstacles. I believe that every setback is an invitation to learn and evolve, and my art captures this essence through juxtaposition between light and dark, chaos and calm. Self-improvement is a continuous journey, and my art reflects the transformative power of introspection and action. Just as we peel back the layers of our own experiences, my work invites viewers to engage with complexities, prompting reflection on their own journeys. Self-awareness plays a crucial role in this process. My creations encourage a dialogue between the viewer and the artwork, fostering a space for contemplation and connection. I strive to create an atmosphere where individuals feel empowered to confront their own narratives and embrace their authentic selves. Ultimately, my art is a celebration of the human spirit. It invites viewers to find beauty in their struggles and triumphs, to recognize the strength within themselves, and to embark on the transformative journey of self-discovery. I hope that my work inspires others to reflect on their own paths and to embrace the resilience that lies within us all.

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Artist Spotlight Apr 09, 2026
TAAG Podcast: Samuel Kayode Toba

Samuel Kayode Toba, a Nigerian contemporary conceptual artist. His biography highlights his education and artistic focus on vibrant Nigerian culture, using acrylic and newsprint on textured canvas to explore themes of identity and spirituality. In his artist statement, Toba discusses the influence of his Nigerian heritage and personal experiences on his creative process, emphasizing his use of texture and color to convey deeper meanings. The listed artworks from 2023-2025 showcase his distinctive style and recurring themes, often featuring the black human form and exploring concepts like brotherhood, love, and inner strength.

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Contemporary Art Apr 09, 2026
PODCAST TAAG: SUSAN JOHN ONYEDIKACHI

Susan John Onyedikachi (b. 1995) is a Lagos-based visual artist and painter originally from Ukwa West, Abia State, Nigeria. She holds a degree in Fine and Applied Arts from the Federal Polytechnic Oko, where she majored in painting. Deeply rooted in her African heritage, Susan creates evocative works that explore Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity. Her practice spans across various mediums, including charcoal, oil, acrylic, and mixed media, each used to convey stories that are both personal and collective. With a strong narrative voice, she positions herself as a visual storyteller, weaving traditional elements into contemporary expressions. Her work captures the layered essence of identity, womanhood, culture, and societal transformation in Africa. ________________________________________ Artist Statement My art is a vessel through which I explore, document, and celebrate the depth of African heritage—particularly that of Nigeria. Each painting is a dialogue between tradition and the modern world, a canvas where ancestral memory meets evolving identity. As a visual storyteller, I am drawn to the emotions, symbols, and rituals that shape our understanding of self and society.

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