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Gbenga Timothy Alonge
(b.1998, Nigeria)

Gbenga Timothy Alonge is a socially conscious visual artist from Suleja, Niger State. Working in a conservative region, he challenges cultural norms through his practice, exploring love, peace, culture, and identity. Using charcoal and acrylic on canvas, Alonge captures the human spirit's beauty and resilience. His unique contour line technique, inspired by fingerprints, articulates emotional depth and sparks dialogue on identity and equity.

Alonge's artistic journey began at age six, driven by experiences with bullying, body shaming, and ADHD. During the 2020 lockdowns, his art evolved into a full-time career. In 2021, he became an Ambassador for The Street Project Foundation, amplifying marginalized voices. Alonge has exhibited in numerous group shows in Abuja and marked a milestone with a 2023 exhibition at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) in Geneva. He continues to produce bold works that scrutinize complex social topics and challenge negative cultural narratives, leveraging art to inspire change and promote understanding. Through his dynamic compositions, Alonge gives voice to the human spirit, celebrating its beauty and resilience.

Artist statement: My practice, rooted in my studio in Suleja, is an ongoing dialogue with societal norms. It is a conscious effort to challenge negative narratives and scrutinize the complex intersections of love, peace, and cultural identity.