Using Hyper- Realism as a tool and inspired by his personal experiences living in Nigeria, Arinze drives at creating art that triggers a degree of emotional connection between his viewers and the stories in his viewers and the stories in his artworks which mostly gears towards social and political activism.


1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I'm a self taught Artist living and working in Lagos Nigeria. I studied Agricultural engineering and later on decided to pursue a career in art when I was 19. I work primarily with charcoal and graphite on paper and these have always been handy ever since I was a kid as my family owns a paper business. 

In 2016, I had my first art show in Omenka gallery with 9 other artists. Ever since 2016, I have participated in over 15 international exhibitions including group shows, Art fairs and 2 solo exhibitions in the US. 


2. When did you decide you wanted to be a pencil sketch artist?

I started drawing at the age of six, I've been drawing for most of my life now, I started drawing professionally in 2012, I encountered my first case of military brutality in the same year. Ever since, I have tried to use my gifts to speak against several forms of oppression. 


3. Who is your favorite sketch artist and why?

My favorite pencil artist is Kelvin Okafor. Although, I enjoy works from artists like Oscar Ukonu, Ken Nwadiogbu, Emmanuelle Dascanio and the list goes on.




4. Where do you get inspired from to create art?

I think I naturally draw inspiration from my past and current experiences and it really translates to the stories I tell through my works.


5. What does your typical day look like?

I bet my days are pretty different. I work mostly at night and sleep during most of my day. I enjoy drawing late at night when every distraction is reduced to zero and when everywhere is quiet and cool. 

It helps me concentrate after about 10 hours of working every night, I get a very few a hours of sleep and later focus on supervising my family paper business.


6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring artists?

Well, I always tell people about my three Ps- Patience, Practice and Persistence.
These have helped me build my craft. Its really not a simple as it sounds but in everything I encourage artists to fall in love with their craft. Love is all you need to make the three Ps work.


7. Which is your favorite book and why?

OUTLIER by Malcolm Gladwell. speaks a lot about ways  control your destiny.


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Instagram: @arinze
Website: www.arinzestanley.com



- Interviewed by: Tanisha Acharya