One of Nigeria’s finest painters and tutors, Wallace Ejoh, is showcasing his works at the Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos. The show, which opened on June 29, will be on till July 13, 2025. He is showcasing 15 works.

Speaking on the title, Ejoh said: “First of all, Dipped In Chocolate has to do with myself. Henry Ward said that every artist dips his brush in his soul and paints his nature into his pictures, so, when you look at my work, I started as a painter, using a limited palette. Then I evolved and started using discord in colours.

My palette became more colourful, and some people know me with that. But when I decided to have my solo exhibition, I decided to use a limited palette.”

He continued, “in my work, I try to promote African beauty. I don’t paint models with European wigs. The only wig I use is Afro, which is African. So, it’s either our natural hair, or African braids, and anything that has to do with Africa. I make sure to promote African beauty.

“I started the paintings in 2024, so, the work that is on show this year is produced in 2024 and 2025.”

On why he decided to empower female artists, he said: “I never liked the idea of passing artistic knowledge to females because it was seen as a waste of time. You know, while the men go ahead to practice, many of the women get married and stop working but during a press conference, a journalist asked why all the exhibiting artists were male. I was surprised. Then, I used to recommend textile design or pottery to women. But things changed when a girl from my neighbourhood, Ajegunle, came to me that she wanted to learn from me. I inquired from her mom who was a retired teacher. And then I came to understand that her great-grandfather was a sculptor. I took her up. Today, she’s a well-known artist and doing great.”

According to him, “I have been doing art for 25 years and seeing my students succeed is rewarding. I have one of my students in South Africa and he’s doing well. I have so many of them out there doing well.”

Speaking on hosting the artist, co-curator, Mydrim Gallery, Idowu Bankole, said: “Mr Wallace has been a friend of Mydrim for years. This is my fourth year in Mydrim and I have come to cherish his work. I see his work any time I go out for an exhibition. He’s been a supporter of female artists and I see him with female artists understudying him.

“My boss, Mrs Sinmidele Adesanya, doesn’t just go for any artist and that has stood us out so, Mydrim Gallery will be 33 this year and it’s good to continue this relationship.”

On what makes the artist’s work different, she said: “His technique is unique. Mr Wallace has a subtle effect. Sometimes you see some artwork and you have a headache but his colour is subtle. This is not the kind of artwork you glance at and simply walk away. You keep asking him how he gets his technique.

“There is a rhythm and flow in Mr Wallace work, his texture is unique.”