Nahem Shoa: Finding a Voice

Join artist Nahem Shoa as he discusses his life, experiences, and artistic journey, particularly the challenges he has faced as a artist, including the racism he encountered and the difficulties in getting his work accepted by art galleries.
Throughout his career, Shoa has been a passionate advocate for greater representation of Black and mixed-race portraits in British galleries.
In this talk, contemporary artist Nahem Shoa will delve into his oil portraits of British people of colour, exploring the motivations behind his work and its enduring relevance today.
Shoa recounts the story behind creating the "Giant Head of Gbenda Llumoka," discussing his friendship with fellow artist Gbenda Llumoka and the inspiration that led him to paint this life-sized portrait directly from life and the significance of this work.
The Giant Head of Gbenda Llumoka is currently on display in our Collecting Coventry exhibition.