Nigerian artist Victor Ekpuk. "My interest and challenge in creating art has been to use elements of ancient African art, especially the writing systems, to express contemporary experiences. Writing and graphic symbols are the main inspiration for my style. They greatly feed the love for expressing myself with these ancient forms, particularly those of Nsibidi, an indigenous African system of communication that employs graphic signs, as well as pantomime and the placement of objects to convey concepts." [posted: Mar 04, 2004]

"Victor was born in Edo State, Nigeria; a place rich in folkloric tradition and materials. As a young boy, he was privileged to witness many festivals that were highly spiritual; these now form the pillars and bedrock of his creativity." Victor currently lives in the United States. [hint: on his web site, click the dots below the first works in each gallery] [posted: Mar 04, 2004]

Originally from Nigeria, painter Yisa Akinbolaji currently lives in Canada. "Influenced by my Yoruba oral tradition and experiential knowledge, the intervention of my current work embodies the complexities of culture, identity, violence, truth, and reconciliation." [posted: Mar 04, 2004]

George Hughes was born in Ghana and works today as a faculty member in the art department of the University of Oklahoma. He regularly shows his work in England, Germany, the Netherlands, the U.S. and Ghana. His paintings are mostly executed in mixed media: acrylics, oils, spray paint, polyurethane enamels, fabric paint, oil pastels and found objects. [posted: Mar 04, 2004]

Ousmane Sow is a Senegalese artist whose work has been well received and admired throughout the world. His web site provides an extensive overview of his life and works, with many photographs, video clips, interviews and writings. And also his children's drawings... [posted: Mar 04, 2004]

Janet Goldner is an American sculptor whose work has been influenced by her long association with Africa and its artists. She has been involved in many collaborative projects in Mali including curating exhibitions, producing a video documentary, and leading tours. [posted: Mar 03, 2004]