Matthew Imuetiyan Eguavoen (b.1988, Edo State) lives and works in the city of Lagos, Nigeria.
Matthew Eguavoen is a contemporary artist with a singular style. Far more expressive than the traditional portrait, the Lagos-based artist uses color and composition to raise questions about gender, race and history, particularly linked to Nigeria and Africa
In his portraits, Matthew uses a combination of oil paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, and graphite pencils to document stories that encompass the emotions and demeanor of his muse to the viewer of his work.
Matthew explores in his figurative and portrait paintings. He depicts the vulnerability and openness
associated with expressing oneself, as well as the lack of efficient awareness of the concept of depression and of mental health in Africa. Due to the stigma associated with mental health, conversations about depression are not often had, hence information, and resources required to deal with depression are sparse and the effect of societal pressures and timelines seton youths to achieve certain goals by a specific age (marriage, financial goals, family responsibilities).
Eguavoen, wants to give voice to the impact of Slavery in Africa and its people. The extinction of African traditional values and the growing sensation of religion in Africa, importation of western moral and cultural values.
