Isaac Emokpae


Isaac Emokpae is a Nigerian visual artist, painter, and photographer. His work is defined by duality and is known for its expressionist and surrealist features.

Biography and work

Emokpae has a BA in Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, studying under the guidance of Professor Abayomi Barber but made his mark in the Nigerian creative scene first, most notably, as a photographer. He workedfor a while in fashion photography and journalistic photography, making a significant mark in the field to have been once regarded as a "veteran". His photographs have been used in Forbes magazine among other places.
His paintings and visual art are peculiar in their focus on duality and their root the style of Abstract Expressionism. His work have been exhibited in Nigeria and around the world.
Emokpae is the third son of Erhabor Emokpae, notable Nigerian painter and sculptor popularly regarded as one of the pioneers of modern arts in Nigeria. Like his father, Emokpae strongly "combines his poetic depth with artistic flair"
He is said to be inspired by the philosophies of Leibniz, Descartes and Santayana.

Selected exhibitions