Latest news with #Madu
DW
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- DW
Van Gogh from Lagos: John Madu – DW – 07/24/2025
Nigerian artist John Madu drew on his home country's experience to revisit the paintings of Vincent van Gogh. Madu's work is now on show at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. "I was born and raised in the heart of Lagos, and the way people live here shapes my view of the world," artist John Madu told DW. "The city is a vibrant mix of cultures, and it boasts a highly cultured, cosmopolitan middle class. This hustle and bustle, this human energy, and the many subcultures all influenced me, even as a teenager." The Nigerian artist is showcased in an exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, titled "Van Gogh x John Madu: Paint Your Path." Inspired by the museum's invitation to participate, Madu created 10 large-format paintings in his studio in just three months. His works draw from the museum's collection, adding a modern West African touch to Vincent van Gogh's motifs from the late 19th century. For example, a Black person carries a monobloc plastic chair into the restaurant in the Parisian suburb of Asnieres, which Van Gogh painted in 1887. Or Madu has also created a self-portrait that features Van Gogh's "Flowering Plum Orchard (after Hiroshige)" in the background. "I wanted to pay my respects to the master I truly admire," says Madu. "Long before I even knew who Van Gogh was, I was already familiar with his works," he adds. There was a calendar on the wall in his parents' apartment featuring paintings of the great Dutch artist. As a boy, Madu was captivated by Van Gogh's use of color — the cornflower blue, the wheat yellow and the deep green — as well as the expressive brushstrokes. He was drawn to the trees and stars that look like little whirlwinds. Van Gogh played a crucial role in guiding Madu towards painting as a means of expressing his inner world: "Van Gogh's world unfolds for people, allowing them to connect with him," Madu says. Madu's father also contributed to his artistic journey. Although not an artist himself, he still nurtured his son's talent. "My father was an aesthete; he had a keen sense of style and beauty," Madu fondly recalls. "He loved flowers and Versace." Madu and Van Gogh are both self-taught artists who developed their own unique painting style. Additionally, both were influenced by East Asian art. Van Gogh's fascination lay with Japanese woodcuts, while Madu identifies as part of "Generation Manga." Even his French bulldog is named Sasuke, a reference that manga fans will recognize. Van Gogh would undoubtedly have enjoyed visiting Lagos, particularly to experience the Yoruba art or the Nok sculptures, which are the oldest known art in West Africa. These works captivated European artists as early as the 19th century. "Anyone who claims that Africans were savages should consider the avant-gardism and playfulness of this art," says Madu. Madu has one request for his audience: not to be called an "African artist." Instead, he likes to be referred to as "an artist from Africa." The Lagos-born artist identifies as a global citizen. He enjoys house music and anime series, and he admits to spending "a lot of money" on Nike sneakers and trendy sunglasses. When asked if his art carries a social message, Madu reflects on a particular phenomenon happening in Nigeria known as "Japa." This term refers to the trend of young, educated Nigerians leaving the country. "It's a real syndrome," Madu explains. "I won't leave Lagos. What if everyone leaves?" That means that whenever Hollywood stars and Japanese stock market millionaires purchase his paintings, they know exactly where to find him.
DW
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- DW
The Van Gogh from Lagos: John Madu – DW – 07/24/2025
Nigerian artist John Madu drew on his home country's experience to revisit Vincent van Gogh's paintings, which are now on show at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. "I was born and raised in the heart of Lagos, and the way people live here shapes my view of the world," artist John Madu told DW. "The city is a vibrant mix of cultures, and it boasts a highly cultured, cosmopolitan middle class. This hustle and bustle, this human energy, and the many subcultures all influenced me, even as a teenager." The Nigerian artist is showcased in an exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, titled "Van Gogh x John Madu: Paint Your Path." Inspired by the museum's invitation to participate, Madu created 10 large-format paintings in his studio in just three months. His works draw from the museum's collection, adding a modern West African touch to Vincent van Gogh's motifs from the late 19th century. For example, a Black person carries a monobloc plastic chair into the restaurant in the Parisian suburb of Asnieres, which Van Gogh painted in 1887. Or Madu has also created a self-portrait that features Van Gogh's "Flowering Plum Orchard (after Hiroshige)" in the background. "I wanted to pay my respects to the master I truly admire," says Madu. "Long before I even knew who Van Gogh was, I was already familiar with his works," he adds. There was a calendar on the wall in his parents' apartment featuring paintings of the great Dutch artist. As a boy, Madu was captivated by Van Gogh's use of color — the cornflower blue, the wheat yellow and the deep green — as well as the expressive brushstrokes. He was drawn to the trees and stars that look like little whirlwinds. Van Gogh played a crucial role in guiding Madu towards painting as a means of expressing his inner world: "Van Gogh's world unfolds for people, allowing them to connect with him," Madu says. Madu's father also contributed to his artistic journey. Although not an artist himself, he still nurtured his son's talent. "My father was an aesthete; he had a keen sense of style and beauty," Madu fondly recalls. "He loved flowers and Versace." Madu and Van Gogh are both self-taught artists who developed their own unique painting style. Additionally, both were influenced by East Asian art. Van Gogh's fascination lay with Japanese woodcuts, while Madu identifies as part of "Generation Manga." Even his French bulldog is named Sasuke, a reference that manga fans will recognize. Van Gogh would undoubtedly have enjoyed visiting Lagos, particularly to experience the Yoruba art or the Nok sculptures, which are the oldest known art in West Africa. These works captivated European artists as early as the 19th century. "Anyone who claims that Africans were savages should consider the avant-gardism and playfulness of this art," says Madu. Madu has one request for his audience: not to be called an "African artist." Instead, he likes to be referred to as "an artist from Africa." The Lagos-born artist identifies as a global citizen. He enjoys house music and anime series, and he admits to spending "a lot of money" on Nike sneakers and trendy sunglasses. When asked if his art carries a social message, Madu reflects on a particular phenomenon happening in Nigeria known as "Japa." This term refers to the trend of young, educated Nigerians leaving the country. "It's a real syndrome," Madu explains. "I won't leave Lagos. What if everyone leaves?" That means that whenever Hollywood stars and Japanese stock market millionaires purchase his paintings, they know exactly where to find him.
CairoScene
01-07-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Madu Launches New Store in Maadi
Named after the ancient Egyptian word meaning 'of the people,' Madu offers a curated selection of handmade crafts from across Egypt and the world. Jul 01, 2025 Lifestyle and homeware brand Madu has launched a new store in Maadi, expanding its presence alongside existing branches in Cairo and Luxor. Named after the ancient Egyptian word meaning 'of the people,' Madu offers a curated selection of handmade crafts from across Egypt and the world. The Maadi location features a rotating collection of ceramics, linens, baskets, and textiles, many produced by artisans Madu has collaborated with for over a decade, building on the brand's focus on preserving traditional craft techniques while supporting long-term relationships with makers.
Observer
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Van Gogh Museum features African artist for first time
Expressive brushstrokes depict a man seated at a table, his face hidden behind a book of Japanese prints, a plastic chair in the corner, and a Nigerian passport lying on the table. It is one of 10 new paintings by Nigerian artist John Madu, created for "Paint Your Path" -- the first solo exhibition by an African artist at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, which opened Friday. Madu, 42, produced the 10 works in just three months in his Lagos studio, each responding to one of seven paintings by the Dutch master. "Before I even knew who Van Gogh was, I knew about his work," said the artist, recalling how as a child he admired his father's calendars filled with Impressionist art. "Van Gogh's works actually stuck out to me because of the yellows, the swirls, the strokes," he told AFP. Madu plays on the global familiarity of Van Gogh's work to build connections between local and universal themes, notably through self-portraiture and the use of symbols. Van Gogh's famous wooden chair is reimagined by Madu as a white plastic seat -- sometimes the main subject, sometimes carried on the shoulder of a protagonist resembling the artist entering a cafe in France's Provence region with a yellow facade. "So I feel the world of Van Gogh plays out for people to relate to you," he said. "I really wanted to pay homage to this master I really love. "So I thought for it to blend perfectly, the strokes, the brush strokes, the colour theme should connect together. "That would make the works actually feel like one." This is not Madu's first dialogue with Western art -- his previous works have drawn inspiration from Gustav Klimt, Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell. These references resonated with the "Beeldbrekers" ("Image Breakers"), a group of young adults who co-commissioned the exhibition with the goal of making the Van Gogh Museum more inclusive -- both in its exhibitions and outreach. "For me, especially, it's a kind of representation to see an African artist being represented in a museum like this," said Himaya Ayo, a 22-year-old member of the Beeldbrekers. "So, when I heard that, I immediately signed up for it, and now I get to take part in this amazing, but also very historical moment." —AFP
Al-Ahram Weekly
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Van Gogh Museum features African artist for first time - Visual Art - Arts & Culture
Expressive brushstrokes depict a man seated at a table, his face hidden behind a book of Japanese prints, a plastic chair in the corner, and a Nigerian passport lying on the table. It is one of 10 new paintings by Nigerian artist John Madu, created for "Paint Your Path" -- the first solo exhibition by an African artist at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, which opened Friday. Madu, 42, produced the 10 works in just three months in his Lagos studio, each responding to one of seven paintings by the Dutch master. "Before I even knew who Van Gogh was, I knew about his work," said the artist, recalling how as a child he admired his father's calendars filled with Impressionist art. "Van Gogh's works actually stuck out to me because of the yellows, the swirls, the strokes," he told AFP. Madu plays on the global familiarity of Van Gogh's work to build connections between local and universal themes, notably through self-portraiture and the use of symbols. Van Gogh's famous wooden chair is reimagined by Madu as a white plastic seat -- sometimes the main subject, sometimes carried on the shoulder of a protagonist resembling the artist entering a cafe in France's Provence region with a yellow facade. "So I feel the world of Van Gogh plays out for people to relate to you," he said. "I really wanted to pay homage to this master I really love. "So I thought for it to blend perfectly, the strokes, the brush strokes, the colour theme should connect together. "That would make the works actually feel like one." This is not Madu's first dialogue with Western art -- his previous works have drawn inspiration from Gustav Klimt, Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell. These references resonated with the "Beeldbrekers" ("Image Breakers"), a group of young adults who co-commissioned the exhibition with the goal of making the Van Gogh Museum more inclusive -- both in its exhibitions and outreach. "For me, especially, it's a kind of representation to see an African artist being represented in a museum like this," said Himaya Ayo, a 22-year-old member of the Beeldbrekers. "So, when I heard that, I immediately signed up for it, and now I get to take part in this amazing, but also very historical moment." Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
