Ruth Nnaji

My practice is rooted in figurative drawing and painting, through which I explore the beauty of human experiences, emotions, memories, and relationships. I see my work as a visual journal, a way of documenting moments, expressing feelings, and telling stories that words cannot always convey.

Working primarily with charcoal, oil, and acrylic, I am drawn to the human figure, especially the expressions and subtle details that reveal something of a person’s inner world. My works combine realism with expressive elements, capturing not just the appearance of my subjects but the feelings and stories they carry.

As a Nigerian artist based in Abuja, I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and the connections I share with others. Through my work, I hope viewers find something familiar, a moment of reflection, or a reason to feel hopeful. Ultimately, I want my paintings to remind us of our shared humanity and the emotions that connect us beyond our differences.

Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Painting

Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria
National Diploma (ND) in Fine and Applied Art

• African Female Artist Mentorship Program Cohort Exhibition, 2023/2024 — Lagos, Nigeria.
• Heartscape — Yenwa Gallery, Lagos Nigeria, June–July 2024
• When It’s Quiet — Virtual Exhibition, Dore Art Collective, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, June 2023.
• Visual Energy — Showdex Gallery, Anthony, Lagos, Nigeria, June 2023.