Draft:Matthew Eguavoen

Matthew Imuetiyan Eguavoen (born March 28, 1988) is a Nigerian artist, ⁣ and portrait painter. He is known for his expressive figurative paintings, exploring themes of identity and gender. Eguavoen's art has been reported to challenge narratives regarding African identity, and the intersectionality of experiences within the Nigerian community.

Early life and education
Eguavoen was born on March 28, 1988, in Edo state. He pursued his education at the University of Port Harcourt, majoring in civil engineering and structures. After graduation in 2014, he decided to pursue his passion for painting professionally through self-study, and experimenting.

Career
Eguavoen started painting through self learning and experimenting. In his works he addresses mental health and social pressure, linked to Nigeria and Africa. He started drawing at Age 12 with no prior or former training- later in 2013 as an undergraduate. In October 2022, he underwent an art residency at PM/AM gallery in London.

Exhibitions
Eguavoen's artworks has been featured in group exhibitions in Nigeria and Internationally He

Solo exhibitions

 * 2022 – Egbé Okpá. Afikaris, Paris, France
 * 2022 – 23. PM/AM, London, England

Group exhibitions

 * Color Coded. BODE Gallery, Berlin, Germany
 * Voyage. Nothing At All art space, Hong Kong
 * Voices for Love. Prior Artspace Barcelona, Spain
 * Smiling & Suffering Together. Out of Africa Gallery, Barcelona, Spain
 * 20(What Now?) PM/AM, London, England
 * It's Not Only a Portrait. Galería Badr El Jundi, Marbella, Málaga, Spain
 * 40 under 40. WHATIFTHEWORLD X Krone, Tulbagh, South Africa
 * I No Be Gentleman (At All O). ADA Gallery, Accra, Ghana
 * Live In Color. Mitochondria Gallery, Texas, U.S.

Collaboration
Matthew was amongst the four finalist in the 2022 ArtX prize, alongside Dafe Oboro, Tolulope Ami-Williams, Yetunde Olagbaju, Neec Nonso.