Meet THEOPHILUS AGWUNWA

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to THEOPHILUS AGWUNWA. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

THEOPHILUS , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

1. By exposing myself to new experiences-visit exhibitions, travel or watch documentaries.

2. By reading widely- Stories, poetry and biography of artists spurs my creativity.

3. Creativity is kept alive in me when I surround myself with art and beauty.

4. As a fabric collage artist, I don’t just gather fabrics, I hunt for textures, patterns and colors that tell stories.

5. I take breaks from producing and spend time observing.

6. I stay connected with other artists through online communities, artfares or local groups. These channels refill my creative tank.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a fabric collage artist based in Nigeria. I graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, where I studied painting and general arts. I find fulfilment in breathing life into discarded fabric materials to produce beautiful works of art. My works are eco-friendly, and they give hope to the hopeless. My works also capture everyday life, love and human state of mind. My style is distinct for its use of vibrant Ankara Fabrics, adorned with intricate patterns and motifs.
I’m passionate about capturing the essence of womanhood through my fabric collage paintings. My work explores the multifaceted stories of women, from traditional attires like the gele headwraps and crown of flowers to represent beauty, strength and elegance of a woman.
I’m fulfilled when viewers pause to reflect on my pieces, finding meaning and resonance in the moments I have captured.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Below are the three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my art journey;
1. Persistence and Patience
Creativity grows through consistency. Many ideas don’t come to life immediately and some works take longer than expected. Staying committed, even when progress feels slow, has been essential in refining my technique and developing my artistic voice.
Advice:
i. Don’t rush your growth.
ii. Practice regularly, even in small ways.
iii. Treat every “mistake” as part of your learning process, not a failure.

2. Curiosity and Experimentation
My creativity flourished when I allowed myself to explore — new materials, color palettes and unconventional techniques. Curiosity opened doors to discovery and kept my art fresh.
Advice:
i. Be bold enough to try what you’ve never done before.
ii. Study different forms of art — photography, sculpture, even architecture — and see what lessons they offer.
iii. Keep a visual or idea journal to document experiments and breakthroughs.

3. Storytelling Through Materials-
Learning how to communicate emotion and culture through fabric, texture, and pattern transformed my work from decorative pieces to meaningful stories. Understanding the language of materials deepened the emotional connection with viewers.
Advice:
i. Spend time understanding your materials — their history, texture, and symbolism.
ii. Think about what each element in your work represents.

iii. Let your materials guide the story you want to tell.

Final Thought:
The creative journey isn’t a race — it’s a relationship with your craft. Be patient, stay curious, and let your materials, experiences, and emotions shape your path.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My journey as an artist hasn’t been without challenges, but my wife has been my constant source of strength. Her belief in my vision, even in moments of doubt, has kept me going. She encourages me to stay focused, reminds me of my purpose, and celebrates every milestone with me. Her unwavering support has turned obstacles into motivation and made this creative journey truly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theophilus_agwu
• Facebook: Agwunwa Theophilus
• Linkedin: Agwunwa Theophilus