Nifty Agodo is a Nigerian-born contemporary artist with a background in Media Communication and Visual Art. Her art is an autobiography of her life and influences. She is a strong believer in the natural beauty and connections that are built in one’s limited time on earth. Her expression is full of bold colours and graphic lines that depict a surrealist world/understanding. She grew up in an art inclined family and says “Art is written into my genetic code, so I might as well share it”.
How Nifty Agodo Turns Pain into Art and Emotion into Colour
FAB: Can you tell us about your background and how you first discovered your passion for art?
Nifty Agodo: I grew up in a family of creatives; I have two uncles who are sculptors, an aunt who’s a fashion designer, another uncle who is a pastel artist, and more. These were my babysitters when I was little, so art started as something to keep me occupied, but I had an affinity for it. I also didn’t have the best childhood growing up, and once I discovered that this activity gave me the sense of calm and comfort I’d been craving, it was a wrap.
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FAB: What inspires your work?
Nifty Agodo: Peace and connection. I have used art to overcome a lot of the trauma in my life; for me, art is therapy.
FAB: Do you remember the first artwork you ever created? What was it, and how did it make you feel?
Nifty Agodo: The first thing I remember drawing was Archie from the comic book Archie and Friends. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but I enjoyed realising that I could create something well enough to earn compliments. That drawing was what convinced my mother of my talent, and she has been my biggest supporter ever since.
Themes in Nifty Agodo’s Paintings: Feminine Freedom & Emotion
FAB: How would you describe your artistic style, and what makes it unique?
Nifty Agodo: I would call my work largely experimental and expressionist; I love to play with bold colours, textures, and lines, but the most important feature of my work is being able to communicate emotion. I fixate on textures a lot in my daily life, so I try to put elements in my paintings that inspire touch or just visual enjoyment.
FAB: What’s your creative process like, from the moment an idea comes to you to the final piece?
Nifty Agodo: Before I put anything on the canvas, I first paint in my mind. There are times when I complete an entire painting in my head before picking up a brush—those pieces tend to flow smoothly and effortlessly. However, there are also moments when I have a concept but need to experiment with textures and techniques to bring it to life. In such cases, I turn to my sketchbook, exploring lines, textures, and colours until I achieve the vision I have in mind. Music plays a crucial role in keeping me connected to the emotions I want to express, and I paint until I am fully satisfied with the outcome.
FAB: What materials and techniques do you enjoy working with the most?
Nifty Agodo: I love the combination of canvas, acrylic, and my markers the most. Acrylic because you can create a multitude of patterns and textures on it and markers because they make pattern creation easier.
FAB: Is there a specific theme or message that runs through your work?
Nifty Agodo: Feminine freedom and the pursuit of happiness are recurring themes in my work. One is such an important social subject, and the other is something everyone can understand. I try to marry them as often as I can.
FAB: Who are your biggest influences (whether in the art world or outside of it)?
Nifty Agodo: My biggest artistic influence would be my high school art teacher. She was the one who made me realise that I could build a career in art. She held us to high standards, encouraged experimentation and creativity, and instilled discipline. She never gave empty compliments, and while she was strict, she never humiliated us. Looking back, she was truly an unappreciated gem. Another major influence is Mr. Bruce Onobrakpeya. His advice had a profound impact on my career, helping me move forward at a time when I was on the verge of quitting. His kindness and support meant a great deal to me.
FAB: As a female artist in Nigeria, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Nifty Agodo: Choosing a nonconformist career can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to start. One of the biggest hurdles was finding a supportive community—people who would help me grow rather than take advantage of or discourage me. Fortunately, I was lucky to come across individuals who provided the advice and connections that helped shape my career. You wouldn’t believe how many people—mostly strangers, not even family—expressed their approval of my career simply because they assumed it meant I could be a stay-at-home mother. As if, first, I had ever expressed interest in that noble yet demanding role, and second, as if being an artist doesn’t require the same level of dedication, focus, and effort as any other profession.
FAB: How would you describe the state of the art scene in Nigeria, particularly for women?
Nifty Agodo: I would say it is growing; it has massively grown, actually, from when I moved back in 2015 till now. It’s ever-changing and hopefully will always move in a positive direction.
FAB: What changes would you like to see in how female artists are supported and recognised in Nigeria?
Nifty Agodo: I would like to see more communities for female artists that offer support and resources to new artists and a structured system that mentors and collaborates to promote the whole.
FAB: What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
Nifty Agodo: I would say my first international exhibition. The results were mind blowing and it was not only satisfying to see my work on a global stage but to also see years of hardwork and uncertainty acknowledged.
FAB: Have you ever doubted your abilities as an artist? If so, how did you push through those moments?
Nifty Agodo: Oh! It happens at least once a year. I push through it by painting some MORE, praying, and talking it out with my support group. It’s important to never stop painting in these moments; I’ve discovered that the most spectacular work is born from pain.
FAB: How do you confront the conflict between creating for yourself and meeting market or audience demands?
Nifty Agodo: I primarily create for myself, allowing my ideas to guide my work. When I have no ideas, I conduct research, exploring images and themes that resonate with me. From there, I choose the direction that aligns most with my thoughts. I also take on commissioned work from time to time, which I see as a way of bridging the gap between personal expression and external creative demands.
FAB: What role do you think art plays in addressing societal issues, especially those affecting women?
Nifty Agodo: An incredible role, creativity is the purest form of expression; we share our experiences and pour heart and soul onto our canvases. The ability to speak on these sometimes very personal issues can be almost impossible, but there are so many forms of artistic expression that can help speak through the silence.
