Artist in Focus: Charles Achibi

Charles Achibi is a Nigerian artist whose creative journey spans decades, mediums, and styles. Trained at the renowned Fine Art University Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria North Nigeria, with a major in painting and drawing, he’s now known for an eclectic body of work that includes oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolour, charcoal, and mixed media.

A Multidisciplinary Voice Rooted in Color

Describing himself as a "growing colourist," Achibi admits the title is both a point of pride and a reminder of the path ahead. “Let me add that while yours truly may be considered as a ‘colourist’, I quickly add that I’m still paying my dues!’” he says with humility. His relationship with color deepened during and after art school, particularly with his discovery of acrylics. “The use of colour is a big player in my works... the calming tint of emerald is visible to convey the restive mode one needs to rejuvenate.”

Winter Flashback in Summer (2024), Acrylic on canvas, 37 x 37cm (14.6 x 14.6 inches)

Blending Disciplines: From Graphic Design to Abstract Forms

Achibi’s foundation in minimalist graphic design shows up in his Fine Art in subtle but impactful ways, especially in the emerging use of geometric elements. “You could find this in the series Across Time and Space(s),” he explains, referencing a recent body of work that fuses visual storytelling with structured abstraction.

While his earlier pieces leaned toward figurative and impressionistic oil paintings, the artist felt a magnetic pull toward abstraction. He first explored this through miniature acrylics and initially kept them private. “I wasn't posting them on social media because I didn’t want to be known with them,” he recalls. But over time, these hidden works began to resonate with collectors, and he embraced them fully. “I think I've done roughly over a hundred miniature abstracts,” he says.

His upcoming pieces may lean into a balance of representational and abstract. “I have some already which I haven’t really shared yet… perhaps till my next show, possibly a solo.”

Narratives of Time, Healing, and Beyond

Much of Achibi’s work speaks in metaphors, engaging viewers in quiet but meaningful reflection. His piece Across Time and Space(s), for instance, examines humanity’s evolving relationship with the environment and technology. “I often ponder on the life above and beyond our current habitat,” he says, citing both fascination with extraterrestrial life and concerns about our planet’s sustainability. “Are we… creating a second chance for ourselves elsewhere?”

Healing (2024), Acrylic on Canvas, 60 x 60 cm (23.6 × 23.6 inches)

In contrast, Healing is a softer but equally profound work exploring recovery—emotional, physical, or even surgical. Through the texture and color, he draws attention to what he calls “the PLUSitive yet valid side of human emotions,” referencing aspirations, nostalgia, and quiet resilience. His use of emerald green in Healing becomes a subtle emotional cue: calm, restorative, and reflective.

Achibi sees his work as “subliminal,” open to the viewer’s interpretation rather than pushing overt commentary. Still, social and political themes are often threaded in. “You could say social commentary, sometimes… but I’d rather describe most of my work as somewhat subliminal, subject to individual perceptions.”

Kaduna’s Influence: Culture, Community, and Creativity

Based in Kaduna State, North of Nigeria, Achibi draws deeply from his surroundings. “I live in the most liberal state in Nigeria… a melting pot of most creatives,” he notes. The city's cultural diversity and climate inspire his open-minded, inclusive worldview, something that bleeds into both the themes and construction of his work.

Hush (2024), Oil and acrylic (mix medium), 109 x 118cm (42.9 x 46.5 inches)

His upbringing, too, plays a major role. “We mostly made our toys and found clever and creative ways to fix and repurpose almost anything broken by hand,” he recalls. That improvisational instinct stayed with him into adulthood, shaping his passion for mixed media and his habit of sourcing materials from junkyards and local markets.

Looking Ahead: The Next Evolution

With works already in prominent collections both in Nigeria and abroad, Achibi continues to evolve, never content to stay in one stylistic lane. As he looks toward his next show, possibly a solo exhibition, he’s quietly building a body of work that introduces new forms, textures, and ideas. “Some [pieces] I haven’t really shared yet… until they get to a certain level and quality I’d need them to be in.”

He also hints at deeper integration of design elements and broader narratives, a cross-pollination of disciplines that speaks to his expansive creative DNA. As Achibi grows, so too does his vision, not just as an artist, but as a storyteller charting time, space, and the spectrum of human experience.

We’d love to hear what resonates with you from Charles Achibi’s collection—whether it’s his use of color, themes of healing, or cosmic reflections. Which piece from the Charles Collection speaks to you most? Join the conversation on our Instagram and Facebook pages (@unxart) and let us know your thoughts.