Ekene Ngige
Ekene Ngige is a creative digital and visual artist who creates inspiring artworks with coffee. He is the Creative Director of X-Animators, a digital arts company that specializes in creating storyboards, motion graphics, TV commercials, 2D animations and company logo designs.
Ekene originally painted with acrylic and watercolour until a random coffee spill on paper gave him an idea that has differentiated him among contemporary artists. Ekene’s works are now usually done with only coffee mixed with water, giving it a unique look.
Ekene has several years of experience in painting, illustrating, creating 2D cartoon animations, video editing and sound selection. The creative’s art focuses on a wide range of issues that are peculiar to Nigeria, and his simple appreciation for coffee.
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Ekene’s works convey messages of peace, encouraging people to forget their differences and embrace serenity. One of his portrait collections, “Peace Makers,” features notable figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Ekene’s works have been displayed in various galleries. When you get up close to any of his paintings, you catch strong scented whiffs of coffee, which is an added pleasure to the viewing experience of his clients.
Ekene preserves his paintings and prevents them from being damaged by adding a gloss varnish finish. This finishing gives his pieces a brilliant effect, and can protect his work for at least 100 years.
Ekene completed a Higher National Diploma in Fine Arts (Painting) from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
He has worked on many projects including “It’s all about Eve”, an art exhibition of paintings at The Mydrim Gallery and “Coffee meets art”, an art exhibition of paintings at The Umutu Coffee shop. Ekene led his team at X-Animators to execute animations for The Samurai Ken movie, The Cosmas Comic book and The Headies.
He volunteers at the 4ocean PBC, where he teaches kids to create artworks from recycled materials.