More than Dali, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein is my main artistic inspiration.

My mother introduced me to his art well before I truly understood such things (I couldn’t have been older than eight when she was showing me his works in World Book Encyclopedia).

I first exhibited in a gallery when I was about 11 years old, again with encouragement from Mom.  My parents taught me that pop art IS “proper art” regardless of what any blinkered art teachers said.  They then both proceeded to buy me every age-appropriate comic book they could find (note to parents:  comic books had me reading ahead of grade level my entire school life.  They’re not all bad!!  Think about it.  Kids will read what they LIKE).

I was designing costumes and banners for carnivals in Nigeria when I was in my early teens.

I was 16 when I got my first graphics job with an advertising agency in Lagos.

I worked as a graphic artist while at college in Nigeria and the USA.

I started 9Ja Pop Art to explore my much suppressed artistic side.  While working on a variety of art commissions for various clients, several original works based around the central theme of free expression came to mind.  They comprise my “Let your Mojo Out” series.  I am also designing works in my “Afrikkan Pantheon” series comprising original depictions of African deities and my “Rat Pack” series with anthropomorphized mice in exciting, adventurous settings. 

I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I have.

—

Roger Okewole

Owner

9ja Pop Art

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