Iwalewa Gallery

Usman Semiu, 1990, Nigeria.

Usman Semiu Alvin is a visual artist based in the Ancient city of Benin Kingdom presently known as Benin City, hailing from Ugbenor village in Uzairue clan, Edo state, Nigeria, has become a beacon of creativity, blending his rich cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Raised in the vibrant city of Warri, Delta State, his journey led him to the...

Usman Semiu Alvin is a visual artist based in the Ancient city of Benin Kingdom presently known as Benin City, hailing from Ugbenor village in Uzairue clan, Edo state, Nigeria, has become a beacon of creativity, blending his rich cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Raised in the vibrant city of Warri, Delta State, his journey led him to the prestigious Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, where he honed his skills in the School of Art and Industrial Design, specializing in Painting. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in the world of visual arts. His work, deeply rooted in Impressionism realism, brings to life the beauty and dignity of Black skin African individuals. Each canvas tells a story, each brushstroke a celebration of identity and culture. Using acrylic on canvas as his medium of choice, this artist creates figurative masterpieces that resonate with viewers on a profound level. His paintings are not merely images; they are windows in the soul of Africa, capturing the essence of its people with stunning authenticity.

USMAN SEMIU's Artworks

Crowned In Earth Tones, 2023

Usman Semiu

A figure of depth and dignity gazes forward, framed by muted bands of orange and beige. White linework crowns the head and traces geometric symbols across the face and chest, blending realism with abstracti.on in a meditation on heritage and identity.

Adorned In Orange, 2023

Usman Semiu

A figure of quiet power gaze's outward, framed by vivid red lips and golden bracelets. White linework crowns the head and traces geometric patterns across the chest, merging realism with abstraction in a radiant field of orange.

Crowned In Crimson, 2024

Usman Semiu

A gaze emerges from a red field-realistic and regal, adorned with white linework that sketches exaggerated features and cultural motifs. A crown floats above, while geometric patterns trace the neckline, blending beauty, abstraction, and identity.

Orange Sovereign, 2023

Usman Semiu

A deep-hued face gazes forward, crowned in red and etched with white abstraction. Zigzags, circles, and geometric lines dance across realism, blending cubist energy with cultural pride in a radiant field of orange.

Red Crowned Presence, 2023

Usman Semiu

A gaze of quiet strength emerges from a crimson field-realistic detail meets symbolic abstraction. White linework crowns the figure and traces cultural patterns, merging tradition, power, and self-expression in a vibrant visual dialogue.

Dual Bloom, 2023

Usman Semiu

Two faces glow against a field of orange-one adorned in blue, the other in yellow. Realism meets graphic abstraction as white linework traces emotion and identity, weaving beauty, culture, and connection into a shared gaze.

Ascend In Red, 2023

Usman Semiu

A crowned figure looks skyward, framed by sunglasses and bold red linework. Stylized features and geometric patterns overlay realism, merging cultural power with personal elevation in a striking visual ascent.

Yellow Sovereign, 2023

Usman Semiu

A radiant figure stands against a golden field, adorned in polka dots, beads, and a red bloom. Sunglasses shield the gaze, while white linework crowns and contours the form merging fashion, heritage, and abstraction into a regal statement.

Crowned In Contrast, 2024

Usman Semiu

A figure in deep blue gaze's outward, cloaked in fur and crowned with white linework. Realism and abstraction collide-geometric symbols and stylized features trace a story of power, presence, and cultural memory.

Blue Reign, 2024

Usman Semiu

A crowned figure gazes from a field of blue, adorned in feathers and geometric linework. Realism and abstraction intertwine-golden eyes, red lips, and white symbols speak of heritage, power, and layered identity.

Crowned Duality, 2020

Usman Semiu

A golden-eyed figure emerges from a vivid red field, crowned in white linework that dances between realism and abstraction. Cultural patterns and geometric forms layer the portrait with power, mystery, and modern myth.