EJIRO FENEGAL (born 1991) is a sculptor from Ughelli south, Delta State, and
attended the School of Arts, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology
where she graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Sculpture in 2019. She
works in her Lagos studio, and has participated in several projects such as the
production of the Zorya Statue at the Lagoon Restaurant, Lagos, (2020), and a
sculpture on combat soldiers in collaboration with sculptor AtoArinze, which was
commissioned by the office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja (2022). She
has taken part in other art projects and group exhibitions, including Small and
iconic exhibition in March, 2023, Journeys, organized by SMO contemporary art,
July 2023, Abuja open house (catalytic synthesis), October 2023 and ArtX Lagos,
November, 2023.
Ejiro meticulously manipulates details to craft figurative sculptures that delve into
the complexities of the human condition and symbolize the metaphorical prison
that ensnare the mind. The artist firmly believes that constraining emotions like
fear; doubt, weakness, and hate are detrimental to one’s existence. Her creative
process involves working with clay to model, as well as mould taking and casting
using resin and marble dust. Vibrant polychromatic patina are then applied to
accentuate the expressive features of her subjects.
“I have always found fulfillment in creating art using both natural and artificial
materials. Even as a young child, I would shape objects using clay, candle wax, and
newspapers. As I grew up, my passion for art only intensified, despite facing
objections from my family. They discourage me from pursuing a career as an
artist, believing that females should be dependent. However, this experience
shaped my character and instilled in me the determination to pursue my artistic
dreams.
In my work, I primarily focus on portraying female figures, utilizing them as
powerful symbols of strength and beauty.”
