About the Nigerian Artist Behind Zirius Art
Hey there, I’m Oluwafemi—visual artist & portrait specialist. Let’s get to know more about each other.
Handmade, Layer by Layer
Each artwork is built with care, precision, and rich detailing — no shortcuts.
Works Best with quality Photos
Send a high-quality image, and I’ll transform it into an artwork full of life.
Delivery Across Nigeria
Pick up in person or receive your artwork via trusted courier (delivery fee applies).
Expressive & Realistic Style
Not just a lookalike — I capture the feeling behind the face.
Shotade Oluwafemi
Visual artist & Portrait specialist
I’m a Nigerian artist, and I draw because I genuinely enjoy it — the process, the challenge, and that beautiful moment when scattered strokes turn into something alive. You know when you’re working on a piece and at first it looks like chaos? Then, gradually, it starts forming. One stroke here, one layer there — and suddenly, it just clicks. That moment? I live for it.
How it all started
My art journey started back in school. I’ve always been curious about human features and how much emotion a single expression can carry. I remember drawing a monkey one random day and sticking it on my hostel wall with celotape (lol, very unserious). A friend came over, saw it, and genuinely admired it. A few weeks later, she connected me with someone working on a final-year project who wanted to commission a portrait for their supervisor. I was scared. I’d never taken on a real “gig” before. But I said yes — and that brave yes kickstarted everything.
Since then, I’ve been exploring portraiture, realism, and storytelling through faces — particularly Black faces. I’m drawn to the richness in our features, our cultural attires, our depth of expression. There’s something about creating a piece that not only looks like the person — but feels like them too.
My Medium & Style
I work mainly with charcoal, sometimes mixing in oil and acrylic to push contrast and emotion. My style is expressive realism — I want you to see the subject, but more importantly, I want you to feel them. Their joy, their mood, their message.
What My Art Represents
For me, art isn’t just about beauty — it’s communication. When someone looks at one of my pieces, I want them to feel exactly what the subject is feeling — without needing an explanation. I aim to create work that mirrors real emotion.
My Growth So Far
I’ve come a long way from flat layers and stiff lines. Now, my style has grown into a unique blend of realism and contemporary art. Every inch of my work is built with intention — multiple layers, depth, texture, and life. I’m also leaning into creating original pieces that speak my truth, not just commissions.
Artist Statement
I create art because I genuinely enjoy it — the long hours, the messy beginnings, the quiet intensity. There’s something magical about how a simple stroke can shift everything. At first, it’s just scattered lines, but with patience, it all begins to take shape — and then, suddenly, the work comes alive.
I’m deeply drawn to Black faces, African models, and our rich Nigerian cultural attire. I mostly work with charcoal (sometimes blending in oil or acrylic), because of the richness and contrast it gives. My style? Expressive. I don’t just draw people; I aim to capture emotions — those subtle, honest ones that speak without words. I want anyone looking at my art to feel what the subject is feeling, like a mirror reflecting emotions across space.
My journey has been one of growth. I look back at my old work and see how far I’ve come — from flat drawings to richly layered pieces full of life. These days, I’m more intentional about telling my own stories through my art, and connecting with others through what I create. My goal is simple: to communicate, to connect, and to make you feel something real.
