The Online Series - Collaborators
Clara Aden • Lagos, Nigeria
Drawing + Painting
Interpreting the word “Hypocrite” in The Online Series
Clara Aden is a passionate painter known for her mind-blowing pencil drawings. Born Elizabeth Omolara Adenugba, she has been illustrating professionally since 1999 and eventually earned her spot as Assistant Production Manager, Hearts magazine in 2000. She studied Painting and Decorating at Federal Science Technical College, Yaba.
Aden has exhibited in U.S, Norway, Germany and Hungary. Her drawings have been celebrated internationally at Global images of U.S Women, Pennslyvania in 2015 and recently at the Amref Artball 2019, a premier African art auction and philanthropic event.
She was awarded Gani Odutokun Award of Excellence in 2016 by African Art Resource centre, The winner, Global Network Research development(GNRD) freedom of expression 2015 art competition in Norway. 2nd place winner Buddy bear design 2016 art contest by German Embassy Abuja. Aden is the beneficiary of 2018 International artist residency award, Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF) She recently participated at Project Space Lagos project. One of the off program for the Lagos Biennial 2019. A one week intensive experimental residency project curated by Nigerian German curator Emeka Udemba. Her drawing installation addresses the issue of the impact of climate change on the environment with focus on Lagos city and its inhabitants.
She is Vice President of Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), President of Beyond borders Artists Association of Nigeria (BBAAN)
I grew up in a country where female child exploring the world of art is regarded as peculiar or unusual. Drawing is my passion. Ever since l have been able to hold a pencil, it's been the "driving force" that keeps me going on, persistence and determination to succeed. My works for the past 10 years takes a critical look at the social, political and cultural issues with profound emphasis on gender identity.
As my art practice progress, despite my willingness to explore diverse general subject matter in creating my art, l find myself continually returning to the aspects of changing African women’s narratives that are often hidden in plain sight or misrepresented. Researching and public engagement plays a significant role in my practice as my inspiration comes from the people and things l observe and engage with, experiences and initiating conversations stimulate an imagination and consciousness that enhance my creative processes be it; drawing, paintings, mixed media, installation and curatorial projects.
Realism is the main feature of my practice. My works are precise and detailed. My body of works comes out strong when l have a specific timeline to create. Sometimes l do not have to work on a theme, all my works must have significant ideas that will backs them up. The drawing techniques perception of light and shadow is very important element in my renditions. It creates the required different tones that focus and wraps around subjects, strengthening the compositional elements and bringing a new level of artistry and storytelling to my works. Recently, my body works of art include a new series exploration of materials manipulation in which l combine portraiture, mixed media and integrate newspaper cuttings. Newspaper cuttings infused and glued into my work and paint over with a dry brush painting techniques.
My purpose is to create something new yet familiar, works that generates curiosity, openness and dialogue which is the most important tools for engaging works of art, for viewers of all ages.