Portraying Emotion
Unwana Efiong is a versatile freelance artist with a lifelong passion for creativity. Since the age of 8, she has been immersed in the world of art, exploring various mediums and styles to express her vision. Her artistic journey took a significant leap in 2008 when she won the first position in the Graphics category and overall first position in the National Gallery of Art competition in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, during her senior secondary school years.
The Beauty of Life
After experiencing early success, Unwana pursued a formal education in Fine Art at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, starting in 2010. Despite eventually changing course to enroll in the Bachelor of Architecture program at Eastern Mediterranean University in 2012, her commitment to art never wavered. Even while studying architecture, Unwana continued her artistic pursuits, volunteering in her religious community to paint murals and creating personalized portraits for clients from various backgrounds.
More Information
Despite her focus on architecture, Unwana’s creative spirit thrived, leading her to explore filmmaking and photography alongside her freelance art career. In 2013, she showcased her artistic prowess with a solo exhibition, demonstrating her ability to seamlessly blend different mediums and styles.
After obtaining her Master’s degree in Architecture in 2023, Unwana rekindled her passion for freelance art, joining exhibitions and embracing spontaneity in her work. Her lack of a specific style allows her to experiment freely, incorporating various shading techniques such as scribbling, blurring, and hatching. With a toolkit that includes graphite, charcoal, pen, mixed media, and digital painting, Unwana continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic and eclectic creations. As a female artist breaking boundaries and embracing versatility, her journey is a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.
EXHIBITIONS
● Art on Loop, The Holy Art Gallery, New York, 2024
● Madeke Modern Art Exhibition, 2024
● Future Stars Exhibition, The Holy Art Gallery, London & Athens, 2023
● Solo Exhibition, Uyo, Nigeria, 2013
