Nigerian Artist Turns Clay Into Vibrant Paint

Nigerian visual artist Emmanuel Olatunde has developed a technique for turning natural clay into paint for contemporary portraits, combining his scientific background with a childhood fascination with art. Using clay’s natural pigments along with ceramic oxides and binding agents, Olatunde creates vivid, durable portraits on canvas through a process refined over years of experimentation. He says the material’s unpredictability when drying is central to his creative process. Beyond its artistic value, he sees the technique as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to costly commercial paints, since clay is widely available across Nigeria. He hopes his work inspires young artists to explore accessible materials while showcasing clay’s remarkable durability and enduring color.