Six years ago, back in Nigeria, he was just a guy painting shoes and jackets. Fast forward a few years, a stint in England, and a second degree in fashion, and now he’s got his first solo exhibition—Embark—a collection that tells the story of his artistic journey.
From Sneakers to Storytelling
England was a game-changer. “I was seeing street performers making a living just doing what they love,” Shark recalls. “It made me think—why can’t I?” That mindset led him to experiment with everything from graffiti to stitchery, even dabbling in comic books to give his brand a backstory.
Dubai became the next chapter, where he took his skills up a notch. And now, Embark isn’t just an art show—it’s a checkpoint. “It’s everything I’ve learned, all in one place,” he says.
Art Imitates Life (and a Little Fantasy)
Every piece in Embark has a story, often drawn from real-life encounters. Take The Pruner, for example—a gardener cutting away dead branches, symbolizing personal growth and letting go of what no longer serves you. Then there’s a piece inspired by a stylist Shark once met. “She walked in late, but the whole room stopped for her. That kind of confidence deserved a canvas,” he laughs. His creative process blends reality with a touch of fantasy—after all, every great design needs a great story.
Creativity Needs a Recess
But what happens when the ideas stop flowing? Simple: play. “Football, tennis—anything to reset my brain,” he says. “Creativity isn’t something you force; you have to trust the process.” He also sees failure as a crucial part of growth. “If you don’t fail, how do you know what works?”
Advice for Newcomers: Chill, Explore, and Post It
For those trying to find their footing—whether in a new city or a new creative field—Shark’s advice is straightforward: be patient. “Get out there, make friends, explore. Things will fall into place when they’re supposed to.” Also, document everything. “People don’t just want to see the final product; they want to see the process. Show them the behind-the-scenes—it adds value to your work.”
With Embark, Shark is making his mark, but he’s far from done. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “This moment—it’s going to last a long time. It’s iconic.”
And honestly? We don’t doubt it.
