Kingsley Onyeiwu’s artwork embodies a blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. His admiration of figurative works of art, as well as a deep appreciation for the techniques of the old masters, is projected into a modernist’s vision and recreation—centered on the subject of the African diaspora. In this respect, Onyeiwu not only explores certain moments and eras throughout the course of history with his drawings and paintings, but he also celebrates his cultural background and the narrative of the African diaspora. Echoes of pride, memories, otherworldliness, and confrontation exude from the theme of his works.
Onyeiwu earned his B.A. from Texas Southern University (TSU), where he was influenced by the works of Dr. John Biggers, Kermit Oliver, and Robert Pruitt. He earned his M.A. in Painting from Houston Baptist University (HBU), where he cultivated a deeper understanding of the philosophy around his works, while expounding on ideas beyond the layers of portraiture. In 2018, Onyeiwu participated in the "2018 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition" at HBU. In 2017, he participated in "Rising Eyes of Texas" at the Rockport Center for the Arts in Rockport, TX and received the 1st place award. In addition, in 2017, he also took part in the "Citywide African American Artists Exhibition" at TSU, where he was awarded 2nd place. Kingsley Onyeiwu resides in Houston, where he currently teaches art at TSU.
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