An Interview with Michael Adigwe: Visual Artist & VAA Member of the Month

Michael Adigwe – Artist Feature – VAA Member of the Month July 2025

Michael Adigwe is a visual artist with over 19 years of experience creating original abstract and realistic art. His journey started in Nigeria, where he earned an Ordinary National Diploma in Fine Art from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and his Higher National Diploma in Painting from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria.

Michael is also a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists, alongside the VAA. By being part of these associations, he feels connected to a thriving creative community, hosting solo exhibitions, joining group shows, and working on countless projects.

His art spans across the world, with clients throughout. His art captures both emotions and everyday life, simple yet powerful and universal. Much of his art is deeply inspired by his Nigerian roots and the world going on around him. He takes experiences from growing up in Nigeria and shapes his work around them.

Often his work tackles issues like community, resilience, or inequality to spark conversations. At the same time, his abstract work lets him explore emotions that feel universal, connecting with people far beyond Nigeria.

On his realism work:

“My realism works are more of social commentaries, shining a light on issues and stories in our communities that need to be seen and talked about. Each piece is like a story or a mirror, reflecting life’s joys, struggles, or truths told through colour and form. I want my art to speak what words can’t, to bridge gaps between people no matter where they are from. Every time I make a canvas and pick my brush, my singular goal is to make art that is not just seen but felt.”

Michael’s day often starts with some quiet meditation to clear his head, followed by 30-40 minutes of riding his stationary bike to wake his body up. From their a mental list for the day is created and by 9am, he’s in the studio and ready to create.  Depending on which project he is working on, he spends about 3 hours sketching, bringing his vision to life, followed by grabbing his brushes and bringing his work to life.  After about 9 hours in the studio, including admin alongside creation, he heads for the evening with his family. Before bed, Michael quietly reflect on his day: what went well, and how he can make tomorrow better.

Currently Michal is pouring his heart and energy into a new collection called “Child Labour Through the Eyes of Art” – a series of realism pieces that shine a light on child labour and trafficking, issues that hit hard in many communities. He plans to donate one artwork each to three Nigerian NGOs fighting these causes and to also, host an exhibition, giving half the proceeds to another NGO to support their work.

“Whether it’s a painting for a local client or a piece in a private collection abroad, I aim to share stories that make people think, feel, and see the world through my eyes. It’s what keeps my creativity alive and my heart in every canvas.”

To learn more about his work, head to his website: https://michaeladigwearts.com/ or follow his Instagram @michaeladigwearts

What is your creative process? What outlook guides you?

For me, Artistic success is when my work touches someone deeply. It’s not only about exhibitions or sales (of course, those matter too), but about that moment when someone sees my painting and feels something real, like reflection, joy, or at least, hope. Success, for me, is in the connection, the lasting mark my art leaves on someone’s heart or mind. It is in knowing that I’ve shared a piece of myself that resonates beyond the canvas.

What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of? What are some of the highlights from the past 12 months?

Honestly, the toughest part of being an artist for me is juggling creativity with the business aspect to grow a successful career. I’m an artist and I live for paint, but marketing, sales, and administrative tasks take real effort. Striking a balance has always been a constant challenge. I want to stay true to my art without slacking on other areas. Right now, the digital world is my biggest challenge. With many platforms and promotion tactics out there, knowing what works best is becoming really difficult. I’m learning as I go, and I’m determined to crack it, of course, the workshops from VAA are really helping. I’m actively learning because getting my art out there for more people to see is worth all the struggles and challenges.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from Shirley-Ann, a Director at the VAA, during a one-on-one session. She told me, “Define your art, and don’t let anyone else tell you what it should be.” At the time, I was lost, struggling with my identity as an artist.

I love both abstract and realism, but a respected artist friend said I should pick one to build my name and be known for a particular genre. I tried focusing on abstract, but realistic images, like landscapes, kept creeping into my sketches, begging to be painted. When I switched to realism, abstract ideas would flood my mind and would be almost impossible to ignore. It was frustrating. I shared this with Shirley-Ann, and her words hit, bringing a wave of relief. They freed me to follow my instincts, not someone else’s rules.

“I create what feels true to me, blending both styles without forcing a mold. Staying true to my authentic self keeps me grounded and growing. It makes my art so much more rewarding.”

What Career Goal is your current priority? How has the VAA helped your journey so far?

I would say: “Michael, hang in there and trust the ride. Embrace every moment of challenges and uncertainties and see them as an opportunity to grow.” I would tell myself that every creative struggle, experimental idea, and every unexpected setback played a big role in shaping who I am today. I’d say me to trust the process, even when I’m not sure what’s ahead, and to believe that each experience contributes to a better me. I would encourage my past self to keep pushing boundaries, to continue exploring fearlessly, and to remain committed to the pursuit of art that truly reflects the essence of life. I’d tell myself to savor the small wins, keep painting through the fog, and know that every stroke adds up to the whole. Finally, I’d tell myself “You’re closer than you think, so don’t ever stop believing in what you’re capable of.”

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