Ejimaja Vivian is a Nigerian artist whose work centres on women’s experiences. She explores these themes through a vibrant style defined by bold, bright colours that reflect cultural forms. She holds a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Jos and a postgraduate diploma in Interior Design from the British Academy of Interior Design. She has participated at various exhibitions locally and internationallys. In this interview she spoke about the various materials she uses and her love for female-themed artworks and more.
You have a background in architecture and are an exceptional artist, how does architecture influence your work?
Architecture and art are deeply connected, and my background in architecture gives my artistic approach a unique edge. Both disciplines are about storytelling-whether designing a space or creating an artwork, I am shaping an experience.
A major influence is my understanding of spatial composition. Architecture considers movement, proportions, and light, and that awareness translates into my art. I constantly think about balance, rhythm, and harmony. Materials also play a role. Working with concrete, wood, and glass has enriched my artistic process, inspiring me to experiment with different mediums. I might incorporate structural elements into a painting or take inspiration from organic forms. Problem-solving is another key influence. Architecture requires working within constraints while still innovating, a mindset I apply to art. If something isn’t working, I refine the composition, adjust elements, and enhance the impact.
Ultimately, architecture has trained my eye beyond aesthetics-it’s about function, emotion, and storytelling. Every space and artwork has a purpose, and I love bringing that purpose to life.
Your paintings often explore themes of femininity and womanhood, portraying the silhouette of women through colour and abstraction. What inspired this artistic style?
My artistic style is rooted in my appreciation for femininity, womanhood, and the female form. It’s not just about representation-it’s about emotion, movement, and storytelling. I’m drawn to portraying women through colour and abstraction because femininity is complex and ever-evolving. Women embody strength and softness, resilience and vulnerability. Abstraction lets me capture those layers beyond rigid forms.
The female silhouette is a recurring motif, carrying deep symbolism. Through bold strokes and rich colours, I convey emotions-joy, introspection, empowerment, even struggle. Sometimes, a single curve or colour splash speaks more than a detailed face. My architectural background also shapes my approach. Like structures, the female form is balanced, flowing, and shaped by light and shadow. I use layering, textures, and dynamic compositions to create depth, making figures emerge or dissolve into the background.
Beyond aesthetics, my work is personal. Inspired by real stories, I explore identity, self-discovery, and cultural influences. My goal is to evoke feeling, not just depict figures.
What is the landscape of the Nigerian art collection like? Is it encouraging for artists?
The Nigerian art scene is vibrant and growing, though not without challenges. There’s strong appreciation for art, with a rich history of traditional and contemporary expression. From legends like Bruce Onobrakpeya to emerging digital artists, the landscape is diverse and exciting. Art collectors, both local and international, are increasing, boosting exposure and sales. Platforms like Art X Lagos and Nike Art Gallery help Nigerian artists gain global recognition, with some selling at major auctions.
However, many artists struggle with visibility, pricing, and finding the right audience. The market can be unpredictable, and access to funding or institutional support is limited. Art piracy and undervaluation remain concerns.
Still, it’s an exciting time-more galleries are emerging, collectors are engaged, and social media is helping artists connect directly with buyers, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
Do you think female artists in Nigeria could do more to mentor and support younger counterparts?
Absolutely! Female artists in Nigeria have made incredible strides, but there’s always room for more mentorship and support for younger counterparts. The art world, like many industries, can be tough to navigate, especially for emerging female artists who may face additional challenges – whether it is access to opportunities, balancing societal expectations or simply finding a supportive network.
There are already some great efforts happening. Established female artists are mentoring, curating all-women exhibitions and using social media to uplift younger artists. We need more structured mentorship programmes, workshops and funding opportunities specifically tailored for female artists.
Beyond formal mentorship, even small actions like sharing opportunities, collaborating on projects or simply being accessible for advice can make a huge difference. It is not just about talent, it is about guidance, exposure and confidence. If more established female artists actively take younger ones under their wing, it would help bridge the gap and create a stronger, more inclusive art industry.
Are you confident about the future of art, especially in the face of advancing technology? How can painters evolve into the digital space?
Oh, definitely! I am very confident about the future of art, even with all the rapid technological advancements. In fact, I think technology is expanding possibilities rather than replacing traditional art. While some people worry that digital tools might overshadow painting, I see it as an evolution – artists now have more mediums to explore, more ways to reach audiences and more opportunities to innovate.
Painters can evolve into the digital space in so many ways. One obvious path is digital painting – using software like Photoshop to create artwork that mimics traditional brushstrokes. But beyond that, there’s also augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), where artists can create immersive experiences that blend painting with interactive technology.
Then there’s Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which took the art world by storm. While the hype has settled, NFTs still provide a way for artists to sell digital versions of their work, establish ownership rights and reach a global audience without relying on traditional galleries. Some painters are even combining physical and digital art – creating a canvas painting and then selling a digital version or an animated counterpart as an NFT.
The social media is another game-changer. Instagram, TikTok and even platforms like Behance allow painters to showcase their process, engage with collectors and build an international following. Many artists have bypassed traditional galleries completely, making a living solely through online sales.
So, rather than seeing technology as a threat, I think painters can use it as a tool to experiment, expand their reach and add new dimensions to their work. The essence of art – creativity, storytelling, emotion – will always remain. The mediums might change, but the core purpose stays the same.
Beyond challenging or reflecting social and political ideals, what does art mean to you on a personal level?
For me, art is deeply personal – it is more than just a way to challenge norms or reflect society. It is a form of self-expression, storytelling and connection. Art is where I process emotions, capture memories and translate feelings that words sometimes can’t express.
Beyond that, art brings me pure joy and fulfillment. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing people light up when they experience my work. Whether it is a sense of wonder, nostalgia or inspiration, knowing that my art touches people on an emotional level makes everything worthwhile. Seeing smiles on people’s faces, watching them connect with a piece in their own unique way are the real magic of creating.
Art, for me, is also about legacy. Long after we are gone, it remains. It tells stories about our time, our struggles, our joys and everything in between. Whether I am painting something deeply personal or creating work that resonates with a larger audience, I see art as a way to leave something meaningful behind.
Beyond all that, art is simply joy. The act of creating – mixing colours, seeing a blank canvas come to life, losing track of time in the process – is therapeutic. It is where I feel the most like myself.
Your husband has been publicly supportive of your art and what you represent as a female artist in Nigeria. Could you share a little about your love story?
Oh, I love this question because our love story has such a unique twist -my husband didn’t even know I was an artist until after we got married.
When we first met, our connection was built on so many other things – deep conversations, shared values and mutual respect – but I never really talked about my art. It wasn’t that I was hiding it, I just never led with it. To me, painting was something deeply personal, almost like a part of my soul that I hadn’t fully shared yet.
It wasn’t until after we got married that he truly discovered this whole other side of me. I will never forget his reaction when he saw my work for the first time – he was completely in awe. It was like he was seeing a new dimension of me that he hadn’t known before.
But what I love most is how he didn’t just admire my work, he became one of my biggest champions. From that moment on, he has been incredibly supportive, always encouraging me to share my gift with the world. As a female artist in Nigeria, I have faced my share of challenges, but having a husband who believes in my vision amplifies my voice and celebrates my journey has been such a blessing.
It is funny to think that something so important to me wasn’t even part of our early love story, yet it has become such a big part of our journey together. His support means everything, and I love that he is not just my partner in life but also my biggest fan when it comes to my art.
You recently had an exhibition to celebrate International Women’s Day. What is your message to women in Nigeria, particularly those in arts?
That exhibition was such a special moment for me, not just as an artist but as a woman celebrating the strength, resilience and creativity of Nigerian women.
My message to women in Nigeria, especially those in arts, is simple: Your voice matters, your creativity is powerful and your story deserves to be seen and heard.
Being a female artist in Nigeria comes with its challenges, but we belong in this space. Our perspectives, emotions and experiences bring something unique to the world of art. Whether you are a painter, sculptor, writer, designer or performer, know that what you create has value. Don’t wait for validation; own your talent, take up space and keep pushing forward.
I also want to encourage women to support one another. The art world can sometimes feel isolating, but we are stronger when we lift each other up. Share opportunities, mentor younger artists, collaborate and celebrate each other’s successes. There’s room for all of us to thrive.
Who are some female artists you admire?
There are so many incredible female artists I admire, but if I had to highlight just a couple, Peju Layiwola and Frida Kahlo would definitely be at the top of my list.
Peju Layiwola is such a powerful force in African art. I love how she weaves history, culture and identity into her work, especially in the way she explores themes of colonialism and heritage. Her pieces always feel deeply intentional, carrying both a sense of the past and a vision for the future. She is not just an artist, she is an educator, mentor and an advocate for the arts, which I find incredibly inspiring.
Then there’s Frida Kahlo, an artist whose raw, emotional storytelling has left a lasting mark on the world. What I admire most about her is how she painted her truth, no matter how painful or personal. Her self-portraits, filled with symbolism and deep emotion, show a level of vulnerability and strength that I find truly inspiring. She turned her struggles into art that still speaks to people today; and that’s something I deeply respect.
These women, in different ways, remind me of the power of art, not just as a form of expression but a tool for storytelling, healing and advocacy.
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