Key details
Date
- 9 April 2024
Read time
- 2 minutes
From meaningful dialogues to finding the inspiration and support he needed to expand his practice – Ken Nwadiogbu shares his experience of being a Painting MA student at the RCA.
Key details
Date
- 9 April 2024
Read time
- 2 minutes
Ken Nwadiogbu (Painting MA, 2023) is a Nigerian-born, London-based multidisciplinary artist. Initially trained as a civil engineer, he pivoted to fine art, first embracing hyperrealism and charcoal drawing before expanding to create more conceptual works with a wider array of techniques. His large colourful canvases explore Black representation and identity, displacement, and socio-political control.
In 2023 he had a solo exhibition ‘Fragments of Reality’, at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London, UK. His work was also included in the RA Summer Exhibition, at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK. He was also commissioned by Netflix and Intermission film to create work for 'Portrait of a Top Boy', a pop-up exhibition at Embankment Galleries, Somerset House, London, UK.
Ken’s time at the RCA was supported by a full fees Logitech Diversity Scholarship in Art and Design Award.
“Painting is like writing a historical book about our contemporary world. It's my way of documenting reality through my artistic lens.”
Painting MA alumni
Ken Nwadiogbu painting in his studio
What are your paintings about?
My paintings explore life, memory, displacement and identity.
Why is painting the best medium to explore these ideas?
Painting is like writing a historical book about our contemporary world. It's my way of documenting reality through my artistic lens.
Far from Home, 2023, Ken Nwadiogbu
Where are you from, and what brought you to studying Painting at the RCA?
I'm from Nigeria. I studied MA Painting at the RCA to expand my knowledge in art and connect with other artists.
“Having the space for exploration was important. It allowed me to step back and immerse myself in learning, thinking, and experimenting, which ultimately enriched my painting.”
Painting MA alumni
How did the RCA MA Painting programme challenge you to expand or grow your practice?
The RCA introduced me to other artists and provided a safe space for exploration.
Connecting with fellow artists opened up meaningful dialogues and gave me the support and inspiration I needed to develop my work further.
Having the space for exploration was important. It allowed me to step back and immerse myself in learning, thinking, and experimenting, which ultimately enriched my painting.
Her Point of View, 2023, Ken Nwadiogbu
Are there any particular experiences from your time studying at the RCA that have stuck with you?
Visiting Sir Frank Bowling’s studio with the RCA BLK community was a memorable time. Seeing his creative process up close sparked a newfound passion for abstract painting. This inspired my new body of work.
How did the Logitech Diversity Scholarship in Art and Design influence your overall experience at the RCA, both academically and personally?
The Logitech Scholarship made living in London possible. I was able to focus on making art, experimenting and researching.
Why is the support of scholarships important for aspiring artists today?
Scholarships help artists financially, enabling them to think, create and explore without financial burdens.
Ken Nwadiogbu's studio
How did you find studying in London?
Studying in London was lovely. I met cool people, made fun memories and visited amazing exhibitions.
What’s the most inspiring place in London for you?
Tate Modern is the most inspiring place. It might be the euphoria of seeing masterpieces or the grandeur of the building, but there's something magical about every visit.
What’s next? How have your plans for the future changed since studying at the RCA?
Now, I'm exploring migration more post-RCA. I'm happy to share that my next solo exhibition, 'I Belong Here', will be at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery in Berlin on June 7th.
Morning Mystery, 2023, Ken Nwadiogbu
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