Meet Emmanuel Abiodun | Embroidery and yarn Painting Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emmanuel Abiodun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emmanuel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a young boy growing up in Nigeria, my journey into the world of art began with the simple pleasure of drawing. I vividly remember how my classmates would bring paper home to my mom, asking me to do their drawing assignment for them. These small moments of sharing my drawings and witnessing the smiles they brought were incredibly. My art teacher’s gift of an art textbook further fueled my passion, showing me that there is a world of knowledge and path waiting to be explored.

From a young age, I saw myself as an embodiment of creativity, someone who should be allowed to soar in an environment rich with information and encouragement. The sheer joy of making people smile through my art was a powerful motivator, even before I fully understood what it meant to be an artist or pursue a creative career. I was convinced that my work had the unique ability to create satisfaction and communicate beyond words.

As I grew, this conviction led me to embrace embroidery as my artistic medium. The tactile nature of embroidery, combined with its rich cultural heritage, allowed me to express my creativity in new and intricate ways. Today, my work continues to be driven by that same desire to bring joy and connect with people on a deeper, emotional level. Through my embroidery, I aim to evoke those childhood smiles and communicate visually in ways that words cannot capture.
For me, pursuing an artistic career isn’t just a choice; it’s a calling to make a meaningful contribution to the world through my art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am Emmanuel Olaniyi Abiodun, a Nigerian embroidery and yarn painting artist. My work crosses traditional boundaries, combining a rich cultural legacy with contemporary artistic expression.

My works explore the complex realism of hand stitching, which I learned as a child from my father as he taught me to sew. A symbol of great attention to details, brilliant use of colors, and intricate patterns that bring each piece to life. My works are a reflection of the essence of human existence: history, culture, oral traditions, man’s interaction with his environment, diversity, identity, emotion, economy, and happenings in my immediate environment. I am currently experimenting and infusing shapes, flowers, insects, and other elements like gem stones, roses, and metal into my work, as a blend of experiment and tradition created to appeal to the sense of beauty in the viewer and a form of advocacy, therapy, and inspiration for others. My work is not just a visual treat, but a narrative that is both timeless and contemporary.

I am most elated by how my art resonates with people, stirring emotions and connecting with them on a deeper level. My work has the unique ability to create pleasurable sensations and communicate beyond words to commemorate my experiences and happenings around me which resonate with me as a child when i saw how my drawings brought smiles to my classmates and teachers. My work has featured in several exhibitions in Nigeria and America, and I was recently awarded the best textile and fashion category at the Life in My City Art Festival in Nigeria.

My journey has been anything but easy. From a young age, I was driven by a passion for drawing references from my book of bible stories and the Jehovah Witness literature, which was encouraged by classmates who brought paper home to my mom for me to draw and my art teacher (Mr. Fatumbi), who gifted me an art textbook. These small acts of support were the seeds of my artistic journey. Aiming for a career in art, I obtained my first and second degrees in arts at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. I further submitted myself to the mentorship of Badru Temitayo Abiodun, a renowned textile artist, who guided me to gain mastery of embroidery.

Growing up in the northern part of Nigeria, I faced numerous challenges, including limited access to resources and formal art education at an early age. My current medium of expression is painstaking hand embroidery, which requires a lot of time and sitting to accomplish. At some point, the long hours of sitting were really affecting my health. Also, there is limited access to the gradation of different colored yarns due to the unavailability of tones in the market, and there is limited access to importing these yarns on the online market from other parts of the world. This has affected and limited my use of simulating the colors.

Despite all the hurdles, my passion for art and the unwavering support from friends, family, and mentors helped me persevere. My late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abiodun, taught me to believe that creativity could flourish with the right support and environment and that I could do anything I put my mind to. Friends like Idowu Abayomi, Ajewole Bolatito, Titilope Joseph, the Olatunbosuns, the Badrus, the E.O Ojo’s and the Abioduns family, along with lecturers like Professor D.O. Makinde and Dr. Ajiboye, and my mentor Badru Temitayo Abiodun, who provided invaluable encouragement and guidance.

My professional growth was marked by resilience and adaptability. I learned to navigate the art world by seeking opportunities for learning and exposure, collaborating with other artists, and constantly refining my art. One of the significant lessons I learned was the power of community and support. I also learned the importance of staying true to one’s vision and roots while being open to new ideas and techniques.

I want the world to know that art is not just a personal expression but a bridge connecting cultures, celebrations of life, and emotions. My story is one of perseverance, passion, and belief in the transformative power of art to transcend boundaries. Through my embroidery and yarn paintings, I hope to inspire others to find their voice and create a universal language of joy and connection through creative expression.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This itinerary ensures a mix of cultural immersion, relaxation, and enjoyment, giving my best friend an unforgettable experience.
Day 1
• Arrival in Lagos. Check-in at a hotel on Victoria Island.
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Craft Gourmet by Lou Baker.
• Visit the Nike Art Gallery to immerse in Nigerian art.
• Savor traditional Nigerian dishes at Terra Kulture.
• Relax at Tarkwa Bay Beach, swim, and enjoy water sports.
• Dine at the rooftop restaurant, Sky Restaurant and Lounge, for a panoramic view of Lagos.
• Experience Lagos nightlife at Quilox Night Club.
Day 2: Lagos – Culture and Entertainment
• Enjoy pastries and coffee at Cafe Neo.
• Explore the National Museum Lagos to learn about Nigeria’s history and culture.
• Attend Eyo festival.
• Try delicious seafood at Ocean Basket.
• Take a boat ride to explore Lekki Conservation Centre’s canopy walk.
• Enjoy fine dining at Shiro Restaurant.
• Attend a live music performance at Bogobiri House.
Day 3: Lagos to Ibadan
• Have breakfast at the hotel.
• Travel to Ibadan.
• Enjoy local delicacies at Amala Skye in Ibadan.
• Visit the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden.
• Dine at Kokodome, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food.
• Relax and enjoy drinks at Agodi Gardens.
Day 4: Ibadan – Historical and Cultural Tour
• Breakfast at Cafe Chrysalis.
• Explore Mapo Hall, a colonial-era city hall with great views of the city.
• Visit to Badru Temitayo and Oluwole Omofemi Art Studio
• Taste traditional dishes at Mauve 21.
• Visit the Bower’s Tower for a panoramic view of Ibadan.
• Eat at Latitude Café & Lounge, known for its fusion cuisine.
• Enjoy a quiet evening at the Palms Mall, possibly catching a movie.
Day 5: Ibadan to Ile-Ife
• Have breakfast at the hotel.
• Travel to Ile-Ife.
• lunch at Cameron, near campus,
Obafemi Awolowo University.
• Visit the National Museum in Ile-Ife to explore Ife’s rich history. Visit to Scrap Art Museum.
• Dine at one of the local spots like Iya Ile Restaurant for authentic Nigerian food.
• Relax at the hotel or take a leisurely evening walk around the university campus.
Day 6: Ile-Ife – Exploring the Roots
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit the ancient Ife bronze head sculptures and Ooni’s Palace.
• Enjoy a traditional meal at a local eatery.
• Hangout at Scrap Art Museum
• Explore the Olumirin Waterfalls (Erin Ijesha Waterfalls), a short drive away.
• Return to Ile-Ife for dinner at Country kitchen.
• Enjoy a night out at samtad garden a local bar.
Day 7: Return to Lagos and Farewell
• Have breakfast at the hotel.
• Travel back to Lagos.
• Stop for lunch at Ibadan on the way, at Mr. Foodco for a quick meal.
• Arrive in Lagos and do some last-minute shopping at Lekki Arts and Crafts Market.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at Yellow Chilli, known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary Nigerian dishes.
• Relax and reminisce about the trip at the hotel before departure the next day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is a heartfelt tribute to my dear parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abiodun and Victoria Oguntoye. Your love and guidance continue to light my path, even in your absence. My siblings’ belief in my dreams and your unwavering support laid the foundation for everything I have achieved. I carry your legacy with me in every stitch and every design.

Idowu Abayomi Oluwasegun, Titilope Joseph, and Ajewole Bolatito, your friendship and encouragement have been invaluable, pushing me to reach new heights. Mrs E.O Ojo, Mr. and Mrs. Badru, Mr. and Olatunbosun, your support and kindness have been invaluable. You have provided not just encouragement but also a sense of community and belonging.

Professor D.O. Makinde and Dr. Ajiboye, your teaching has been a guiding light. Your knowledge and wisdom have equipped me with the tools to navigate my artistic journey with confidence and skill to pursue my dreams.

Thank you all for being such vital parts of my journey. Your influence and support have made all the difference, and I am deeply grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbiodun/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Arbinibi/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artbiodun

Image Credits
The Artist