We are thrilled to announce the results of the Chinwe Russell Art Prize!
Our esteemed judging panel had a challenging time deliberating and selecting the top three winners due to the exceptional quality of submissions. The incredible range of talent showcased in this competition is a true testament to the depth and diversity of the Nigerian art scene.
Top Three Winners – Judges' Vote
Third Prize – 100,000 NairaMichael Anyadike (Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria)Title: Echoes of Verdant SoulsMedium: Mixed Media (Waste drink cans, wood, waste aluminium sheets, nails)Dimensions: 61cm x 42cm"Before you I stand and gaze, I see how vibrant and resilient you have become, the subtle textures of your inner being emerging, and from within, your hope blossoms. Only then did I turn my gaze inwards to realize that I have become part of your 'echoes of verdant souls.'"
Second Prize – 200,000 NairaOsehimoirah Richard (Benin City, Nigeria)Title: BrokenMedium: Nails fused with fiberglassDimensions: 2.5 feet (height) x 1.5 feet (width)A powerful sculptural piece symbolizing the fragility of human emotions, Broken presents an abstract mask made of thousands of nails fused with fiberglass, highlighting the tension between strength and vulnerability. The piece invites viewers to reflect on identity, emotional resilience, and the imperfections that define us.
First Prize – 300,000 NairaCaroline Useh (Lagos, Nigeria)Title: The Fragility of the ChildMedium: Found objects on canvas/boardDimensions: 92cm x 76cmThis poignant artwork explores the delicate nature of childhood, addressing the vulnerabilities that children face when subjected to unsafe environments. It serves as a powerful reminder that nurturing and protection are essential in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
A huge congratulations to our three outstanding winners, whose artworks exemplify the ingenuity, creativity, and skill of Nigerian artists. Their exceptional use of materials, textures, and found objects truly embodies the spirit of this competition.
Public Vote – Selected for the International Auction
The following artists have been chosen by public vote to have their works presented at the Chinwe Russell Art Auction:
Jacobson Ejameh – Everyday People
Christopher Ebiokubo Ayaoge – Ijaw Awigiri Dancers
Abidoye Oladimeji – Suku Ologede
Ayomide Joshua – The Thirteenth Disciple
Ifpaulart – Ordained
Christopher Ebiokubo Ayaoge – Negotiation
Zainab Garba – Mandala Szn
Ebikabowei Bozimo – The White Horse & Its Rider
Christopher Ebiokubo Ayaoge – Colours of Creation
Atobatele Oluwadamilola – The Great Mason
Lekan Salam – Blossom Together 1
Asuquo Ayi Ukorebi – Sweetness and Bitterness of Life
Ajayi-Olowo Precious – Cultural Beauty
Abidoye Oladimeji – Orisabunmi 1
Damilola Ajegbomogun – House of Cards 1 & 2
Sadiq Abimbola Rukayat – A Commingling of Eternity with Time
Ifpaulart – Rebirth
Afolabi Ifeoluwa Abraham – Cultural Convergence 2
Chinagorom Chibuezem Christopher (Noblecreation) – Power and Treasure
Bali Audu – See No Evil
Raji David Adeteju – Party Preparation
Sholaja Omotolani Ismail – All Eye on You II
Blessing Ebere Onyeoziri – Deformity
Chidera Okafor – Ade
Emmanuel Eweje – New Shoot
Clara Aden – Infomania 2
Vikala Sati – Spice Fantasy
Oluwaseyi Emmanuel Adeyemo – Pentecost 2 (Without Price)
Highly Commended Artists – 10,000 Naira Each
Elijah Becon Waye (Lagos) – A Story from Where I Come From (Crayola and pastel, 50cm x 180cm)Deborah Ifechukwu (Lagos) – Illuminated Gaze (Exploring light, perception, and personal growth)Ekeoma Ahumaraeze (Enugu) – Child Abuse (Oil painting highlighting child hardship in Africa)
A massive congratulations to all our winning and highly commended artists!
Your creativity and craftsmanship continue to inspire us, and we are honored to showcase your talent.
Meet Our Judges
We were honored to have a distinguished panel of judges who brought their expertise and artistic insight to the competition:
Saratu Ishaya Audu – A former family lawyer turned multidisciplinary artist, Saratu’s practice spans painting, textile design, and sculpture. Her paintings serve as the foundation for intricate textile designs used in clothing and bedding, while her sculptures, crafted from metal clay and glass, showcase her innovative artistic approach. Her work has gained international recognition, with collectors in England, Scotland, Nigeria, Canada, the United States, Poland, and Australia. Beyond the studio, Saratu is an avid rower, navigating the tidal Thames at least three times a week, weather permitting.
Uchenna Ibe – Founder of Ivy League Collections Limited, a sustainable interior design company in Nigeria, Uchenna combines business acumen with social impact. With an MBA in Entrepreneurship and training from Walden University, Santa Clara University, Cornell University, Cranfield University, and Lagos Business School, she is a leader in enterprise development.
Passionate about empowerment, she has trained over 1,600 young women through vocational programs and actively contributes to organizations like NASME and AWEC, where she serves as a Country Leader. A Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Growth Fellow and Vital Voices Global Ambassador, she also champions ImpactHER and Lagos Business School’s Leadership & Sustainable Waste Management Fellowship.
A certified marriage and youth counselor for the Catholic Church, Uchenna has been happily married for 31 years and is a proud mother of four young adults.
Kelly Omodamwen – A bronze sculptor from Edo State, Nigeria, Kelly gained global recognition for pioneering spark plug sculptures since 2017. Born into the Omodamwen dynasty of Benin bronze casters, he trained in his grandfather’s studio before earning a distinction in Sculpture from Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in 2018.
His innovative fusion of traditional Benin bronze casting with contemporary materials has been featured on BBC, The Nation, and international art platforms. In 2024, his solo exhibition "Beyond Mimesis" at Signature Beyond Art Gallery, Lagos, showcased his groundbreaking work. A 2023 Akoje Residency artist at Dumfries House, Kelly continues to push the boundaries of African sculpture on the global stage
Obinna Adiele is a contemporary Nigerian sculptor renowned for his innovative use of steel wires to create intricate sculptures. He graduated from the Department of Fine and Applied Arts at Abia State University, Uturu, in 2012. Adiele's work draws inspiration from his environment, aiming to engage and resonate with viewers. His expertise in steel bending allows him to craft remarkable sculptures that enhance various settings. Adiele has participated in both national and international exhibitions, including the Transcultural Exchange 2020 Hello World Exhibition.
Once again, thank you to everyone who participated in the Chinwe Russell Art Prize. We appreciate your passion and dedication to the arts, and we look forward to seeing your incredible work continue to flourish.
Best regards,The Chinwe Russell Art Prize Team
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