Henry James Nigeria, 1996

Oriolowo Henry, popularly known as Henry James, is a Nigerian visual artist whose practice celebrates the beauty of Africa and the continent's rich cultural heritage. Trained at the prestigious Lagos State Polytechnic, where he earned his National Diploma in Fine Arts, Henry deepened his artistic research at the Abdulsalam Concept in Ikorodu, subsequently completing his Higher National Diploma at the same institution.

His passion for art began in childhood and has evolved into an unwavering commitment to perfecting his craft. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of color, Henry creates works that celebrate the dignity and beauty of African peoples. His distinctive technique blends vibrant colors and fabrics in a visual dialogue that explores African identity, environment, and cultural heritage.

As a full-time artist, Henry uses painting as a language to tell stories of resilience, community, and transformation. His compositions invite viewers to rediscover the ordinary and extraordinary beauty of the African continent, celebrating the complexity and richness of its human and natural landscapes.