Join us for an artist talk with Tonye Ekine, hosted by University of Leeds fine art student Katy Tomiak.

Tonye Ekine is a Nigerian-born, London-based artist whose passion for storytelling is deeply embedded within his painting practice.

His artwork explores themes of identity, decolonization and heritage using acrylic on linen and canvas through motifs of Nigerian-inspired masked figures within British architecture.

Tonye was trained in Fine Art at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Nigeria (2014) and MA Fine Art: Drawing at Camberwell College of Arts, London UK (2022).

He has since gained recognition in the contemporary art scene with a nomination as one of the finalists for the Ingram Prize 2024, a recent solo exhibition at Steingold Contemporary in March 2025, and an upcoming solo exhibition at the Wakefield Art House in September 2025 – following his artist residency there in 2024.

More information

This artist talk with Tonye Ekine is organised by final year BA Fine Art with History of Art student Katy Tomiak.

The talk will take place in the Student Common Room.

It is free to attend and all are welcome. 

There’s no need to book – please just turn up