Someone spoke about how about 12,000 ships brought slaves to America. On this basis, I started painting this piece to commemorate the journeys, the blood and sweat, the rough seas, and masts bellowing in the Atlantic winds. I completed the painting yesterday.

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Let me tell you about the country called Nowhere. It is the land of kings and queens, princes and princesses- I am one of them. A long time ago, our ancestral home was the land of Idu n’Oba, the great queen mother and king. There were disputes about allegiance to these Oyibo who spoke through their noses, who came bringing all these strange gifts that doubled one’s appearance, this magical pipe that blew thunder and death when pointed in one’s direction, and thus sweet liquid

Trade by barter has been on my mind since I studied the lives of artists. In exchange for their artworks, they were given what they needed at the moment- be it money, food, art materials, a home, etc. The best gift you can get from me is my artwork, because it has the possibility of growing in value. Working as an artist for 28 years, I know that my artwork has been my currency in many ways. I will highlight 2 moments when I exchanged my paintings for things. Jeff, owner of