Bio

NICOLE ITOYA, A Self taught Abstract artist from Edo state, currently based in Lagos Nigeria. There was never really a starting point for her in Art, She has always made sketches and painted all her life, back in high school (boarding school), She used to create/design birthday cards, love notes etc.. for her friends in exchange for food. Nicole’s major source of inspiration is the gift of creativity, the thought of bringing something that was a mere imagination to life fascinates her , if she wasn’t doing Art, She would probably still be in another creative field. However, in 2022, she decided to fully express her creativity through ART, because Art allows her to communicate her thoughts, feelings..etc Painting helped her realize that it’s okay to be imperfect.

She’s known for her FEMALE FIGURATIVE PAINTINGS, which is inspired by the feminine strength, fragility, beauty marks and emotions of the african woman, She captures their very essence and tell stories with different mediums And also her exploration in NEUROGRAPHIC ART to promote/practice wellness has been inspired by the rich and vibrant colors of the african culture, there’s just something intriguing and captivating about combining these vibrant colors

She Calls herself an Abstract Artist because she likes to express herself freely through shapes, colours and textures, with abstract Art, creativity really never ends. As someone struggling with perfectionism, Abstract Art gives her the room to be completely imperfect.

Represents the delicate, beautiful yet enduring nature of women.

Acrylic on Canvas

3x4ft

2025

Represents the diversity, core beauty and spirit of African women.

Oil on Canvas

3x4ft

2023

While representing the societal standard of beauty, you and see a diverse range of emotions all at the same time, this piece tells a story of women in a cliche yet a novel way.

Acrylic on Canvas

3x4ft

2025