Elisha Nyong

..demystifying the mysteries of existentialism is the core of my art praxis; the unique themes of my visual allegories are a clarion call to seek out and assimilate a world beyond the three-dimensional one. It is a letter, so long I’ve barely begun…
-Elisha Nyong

Elisha Nyong is a Nigerian painter whose artistic journey began in childhood through drawing and portrait studies. Born in Lagos but from Akwa Ibom State, he earned a B.A. (Hons.) in Painting from the University of Uyo in 2017. His undergraduate years shaped his early visual language — one rooted in symbolism, allegory, and dream-like imagery, drawing on influences from Botticelli and the Old Masters alongside Surrealist thinkers like Breton and Dalí. Over time, this evolved into his current practice: a sustained visual discourse with Dutch Golden Age vanitas painting, reimagined through contemporary Black figuration.

His career gained early recognition after winning the jury prize in the international “Art for Guns” competition in 2010 at the age of 14. Over the years, mentorship, formal training, and study of both Nigerian and international masters have contributed to the evolution of his practice. Working primarily in oil, Elisha combines tenebrist realism with symbol...

B.A(Hons.) Painting (2017); University of Uyo, Nigeria.

- Artforms (2018); in honour of the Late Prof. Stella Idiong of the University of Uyo, Nigeria.

- Sacrificial Lamb (2018); an exhibition to create awareness about mental health.

- Sacrificial Lamb II (2019); an exhibition to create awareness about mental health.

- Ubuntu Exhibit (2022) at the African NFT club; hosted by the African Museum of the Metaverse.

- Meta Masquerades (2022); hosted by The 50mm Collective

- Black, Bold and Beauty (2022); hosted by The 50mm Collective for Black NFT artists, exclusively.

- SEAF (2022); hosted by High Art Gallery, Seattle.

- Beauty in her Space (2023); hosted by Constance and Sons Gallery. Lagos, Nigeria.

-Black Heroine I & II (2024); hosted by Omíníra Art & Tea: curated by Bolaji Oluwasola. Harlem, New York.

- Harlem Fine Art show (HFAS '17); 2025. Hosted by Dion Clarke at The Glasshouse NYC, Manhattan, New York.

- ÍRÍNÁJÒĖDÁ: The Journey of Human life exhibition; 2025 hosted by Constance and Sons Art Gallery at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan.