Tochukwu Udemba

Artist Biography – Udemba Tochukwu

Udemba Tochukwu is a self-taught visual artist based in Lagos, Nigeria, with three years of experience in painting. Working primarily with acrylic paint and occasionally acrylic paint markers, he explores storytelling, identity, emotions, and human experiences through his distinctive artistic approach.

He is the creator of NOVATIN, a unique painting style characterized by faceless figures with unusually large ears. These figures are intentionally designed without defined facial identities, allowing them to represent anyone, regardless of background, age, or identity. Through this approach, Tochukwu creates characters that viewers can see themselves in, making each artwork open to personal interpretation and emotional connection.

His inspiration comes partly from cartoons and anime, as well as his personal desire to develop an artistic language that feels authentic to him. Rather than simply reproducing what he sees, he uses imagination, expressive forms, colours, and symbolism to communicate ideas and tell meaningful stories.

NOVATIN is more than a visual style; it is a storytelling language through which he explores different aspects of life, including love, faith, hope, struggles, personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. His intention is for viewers to look beyond the surface of his paintings, connect with the stories behind them, learn something, and experience emotions that resonate with their own lives.

Tochukwu has participated in the Fobally Art Competition and continues to develop his practice, pushing the boundaries of NOVATIN while creating works that encourage connection, reflection, and conversation.