Barry Usufu

Barry Yusufu is a self-taught Nigerian artist who uses his artwork to reflect the modern African and to elevate the image of African men and women in art. Born in 1996 in Nigeria, Yusufu creates his icon-esque works with gradated charcoal drawing techniques and boldly coloured acrylic paints. He draws inspiration from his community and his deep-rooted Christian faith to paint powerful poignant portraits that tell the story of his people. Yusufu creates powerful portraits using gradated charcoal drawing techniques and bold acrylic paints. His works reflect his deep-rooted Christian faith and aim to elevate the image of African men and women in art. Inspired by his community, Yusufu uses symbolism and allegory to discuss identity and portray the experiences of his subjects. Through his art, Yusufu is creating a space for Africans in art history that was previously inaccessible to them.

Yusufu's work has been exhibited internationally and has gained recognition for its powerful commentary on contemporary society. He has gained recognition for his traditional art and has showcased his work in Europe, New York, and London. Also, he has exhibited his work in various local and international exhibitions, including the Felebration Art Competition and Exhibition 2019, and Action Aid's Art4Development.