Black Excellence is the celebration of success in the Black community. However, Black excellence goes far beyond achieving and highlighting individual achievements. It is a mindset backed by actions that displays leadership through perseverance. This trait can be seen in the acts of past and present leaders in all areas of life. To mention a few– Angela Davis, Dora Akunyili, Amanda Gorman, Nelson Mandela, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

This body of work, through the use of digital tools and traditional approach, depicts information using significant symbols and attire from the Yoruba Aso Oke (top cloth) merged of the Igbo Nsibidi (one of the oldest forms of writing in Africa), and the Ghanaian Adinkra (symbols that represent concepts or aphorisms). Delving into the metaphorical, the flowers, leaves, and the long neck signifies beauty and growth in the black community.

There is light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, and this should serve as a form of encouragement to every human existing. Be courageous enough to celebrate even small wins.

Oluwasegun Joseph (b.1993) is a contemporary Nigerian artist in Lagos. He has passion for drawing cartoons, portraits, and comics since a young age and has worked with notable publishing houses in Nigeria; Lantern book, GNO studios, ICs studios. He has trained at Universal Studios of Art and is a graduate of Painting at the faculty of Art and Design, Yaba College of Technology (Polytechnic). Oluwasegun has participated in various group exhibitions; Nosa-creative(online exhibition 2020), Final year exhibition (2019), Nigeria Student Art Competition (NSAC) O.A.U. His works are featured in digital exhibitions on Open Sea, and also in private collections.