Discover the work of Emmanuel Ignatius Bwibo, the genius behind Ignatius Arts. He adopts traditional African designs to express cultural pride in his creations.
Nairobi, Kenya
Banana Clip, November 2019
Emmanuel uses his talents to share visual stories about Black culture and shed light on the beauty of African women.
Namibia, September 2019
Mylah Shiv, December 2019
Black Girl Fly, April 2019
What elements do you choose to incorporate in your designs/illustrations and why?
In Kenya there are a lot of cultural practices that usually inspire me on a daily basis;
the people, the social construct, and our history. I choose to incorporate our beautiful African women because for a long time our women have been underrepresented. By showing our cultural practices, our story cannot be forgotten.
Her Highness, November 2019
Fela K, March 2020
Nebula Queen, July 2020
2 Black, March 2020
Blue for Sudan, June 2019
Mama Africa, December 2019
Joasi Agoba, February 2020
You’ve chosen to focus on Black individuals in your creations. Why is this important to you?
In most of my work you can see [influences from] my Kenyan background. I think it is my responsibility as a Black and African creative to tell our story. A question I always ask myself is “If not me, then who will?”.
I’ve learnt that I'm very open minded and always want to bring change in our society. I create artworks that make an audience relate to the message being portrayed and also make them feel represented.
Mental Health Awareness, August 2019
Lesotho, September 2019
In These Times (cover), November 2020
Olango, March 2020
The Bro Code, November 2019
The Pane [pain], March 2020
Vivie, March 2020
Fresco, June 2020
Black on Black, June 2020
Why did graphic design and illustrating stand out to you?
The idea of helping people and brands communicate their message to others through artworks that I create is one of the major factors that helped me decide to specifically do visual arts and graphic design.
I started creating at a very young age. Throughout my school years my artworks were always outstanding and different from what others were creating, and that was when I figured out that art was my passion.
How do you overcome creative challenges?
As a creative it is always advisable that you take a break once in while. I usually just take nature walks and spend time with family.
Is Music About to Blow, March 2020
Guardian, March 2020
Abrupt Comb, April 2020
What has been your most rewarding experience as an artist?
I was honoured to have my artwork featured in the NBC studios for a new show. I've also created illustrations for The Ringer magazine about the Black Lives Matter movement, and created a visual piece for the biggest band in Kenya, Sauti Sol, for their virtual concert.
I’ve been able to collaborate with In These Times magazine to create awareness about the American judicial systems, and was recently featured in LA STYLE magazine.
Black Lives Matter Artwork, July 2020
In the future, where do you see yourself as an artist?
One of my main goals as an artist is to be an educator to teach upcoming artists how to earn and have a sustainable life from their art, because I think that is one of the major issues we face in the creative scene.
Another dream of mine is to be studied by future generations as an artist that brought social change in the community.
Modern Hero, May 2020
My Admi Experience, November 2019
Shop Ignatius Arts and see more of Emmanuel's artistry at the links below!
Instagram: @_ignatius_arts
Portfolio & Shop: