Short Bio
Mubaraq Yusuf is a self-taught Nigerian artist with an uncanny ability to breathe life into the canvas with his paintbrush. Growing up in the idyllic city of Ilorin in Kwara State, Yusuf was always enamored by the world around him, observing the intricate workings of nature, the rich history of Africa, the subtleties of body language, and the unique expressions of identity. He found that these observations kindled a creative spark within him, which he now expresses through his oil-on-canvas masterpieces. For Yusuf, the canvas is not just a medium for storytelling. It is a vessel for portraying the inner strength of humanity, the joys of life, the hopes for the future, and the richness of culture. Through the interplay of light and shadow, color and form, Yusuf weaves a tapestry of stories that capture the essence of the African spirit. His brushstrokes are imbued with emotion and meaning, as he creates a visual language that resonates with his audience.
Statement
As a self-taught Nigerian artist, I prioritize traditional values in my art. I am very conscious of culture and history, and I believe that the artist's role is to preserve contemporary and historical times. My paintings are a visual record of time, memory, and nostalgia, where personal, familial, and societal history come together to create a unique expression of identity.
In my work, I pay close attention to texture and vibrancy. I strive to convey mood and intensity in understated painterly gestures that reflect my studied technique. I have a keen interest in body language and its accurate rendering, as I believe that the body, the person, is a vehicle of history. When you look at my paintings, you will see that it is in people that history lives and is transmuted.
My approach to art is influenced by academic portraiture in the Western tradition, but there is also an unmistakable commitment to an African aesthetic. I use my brush to paint black figures, afros, and traditional Yoruba attire, which reflect my cultural heritage. By blending the conventional with the international, I can create a new language that speaks to my personal experience and the wider world.
My paintings are a celebration of the human spirit and an invitation for the audience to embark on a journey of self-discovery. I believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries, to evoke emotions, and to inspire change. Through my art, I seek to capture the essence of what it means to be human and celebrate Africa's beauty in all its richness and diversity.
Biography
Mubaraq Yusuf is a self-taught Nigerian artist with an uncanny ability to breathe life into the canvas with his paintbrush. Growing up in the idyllic city of Ilorin in Kwara State, Yusuf was always enamored by the world around him, observing the intricate workings of nature, the rich history of Africa, the subtleties of body language, and the unique expressions of identity. He found that these observations kindled a creative spark within him, which he now expresses through his oil-on-canvas masterpieces.
For Yusuf, the canvas is not just a medium for storytelling. It is a vessel for portraying the inner strength of humanity, the joys of life, the hopes for the future, and the richness of culture. Through the interplay of light and shadow, color and form, Yusuf weaves a tapestry of stories that capture the essence of the African spirit. His brushstrokes are imbued with emotion and meaning, as he creates a visual language that resonates with his audience.