Who is Tonye?
Tonye Ekine (b. 1992, Nigeria) is a visual artist living in London. He graduated in Fine Art from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, in 2014. Tonye initially pursued a career in applied arts in the fields of Media, Broadcasting, Design, Music, Advertising, Communication and Creative Direction. These experiences remain inextricably linked with his unique practice of storytelling. Tonye’s love of music and fashion together with a deep understanding of colour theory, draftsmanship, and appreciation for Pop Art, combine to achieve a bold, vibrant language that encourages a deep dive into his multi-layered works.
Where it all started.....
In 2021, Tonye made a significant move to London, to evolve and redefine his art practice and was accepted onto the MA Fine Art: Drawing course at Camberwell College of Arts, graduating in 2022. During this time, Tonye exhibited with Steingold Contemporary in a group exhibition in Leytonstone entitled Haven alongside several prominent emerging artists including the El Salvadoran artist Studio Lenca, Beatrice Hasell-McCosh , Mada Vicassiau and Olly fathers to name a few. In March 2024, Tonye will go on to have a solo exhibition with Steingold Contemporary in London entitled One of Us, which will showcase new works alongside his intricate and important illustrations, the source of all his larger works on canvas.
At the heart of Tonye’s artistic exploration lies a fascination with the interplay between finished and unfinished, manifested through his deftness of hand. Using mostly acrylic on canvas or linen, he conveys narratives with Ife-inspired masked figures set in reimagined scenes or stages, with nods to his love of British architecture and design. Themes of identity, decolonization, heritage, and the multifaceted forms of modern expression reverberate through his work, prompting introspection and discussion.
Say hi :)
Tonye is always wandering, looking for new, exciting art and creative opportunities.
+44 7916213152