Cyril Oluwamuyiwa Emmanuel alias X the Villain, is a contemporary conceptual and performance artist based in Lagos, Nigeria. Drawing heavily from his Yoruba heritage and Egyptian ancestry, Cyril's work is deeply rooted in culture, reflected in his use of palm oil for paintings, and charcoal for sculptures.
Self-taught and inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, Tehching Hsieh, Yinka Shonibare, and Jean Michel Basquiat, Cyril developed a distinctive style that explores African identities, cultures, and global history. His artworks often depict society's outcasts, addressing themes such as identity crisis, discrimination, and mental health. As an advocate for human rights and environmental sustainability, he aims to create immersive and interactive experiences accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities.
In the realm of performance art, X the Villain’s work is a visceral exploration of societal fractures caused by discrimination, racism, and segregation. He immerses himself in the raw narratives of these issues, pushing the boundaries of performance art to provoke profound introspection. Through his performances, he aspires to dismantle preconceptions, instigate uncomfortable conversations, and inspire collective reckoning with the complexities of our shared humanity. Every gesture and movement is a deliberate act aimed at breaking down the barriers that divide us, urging audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths embedded in our social fabric.
Stepping into my studio for the first time as an exhibitor, not just a creator, was a defining moment. My first solo exhibition brought the Judge, Jury, and Executioner collection into the light—a body of work that holds a mirror to humanity, demanding reflection, accountability, and action.
Each painting became a conversation, each brushstroke a confrontation. Visitors stood before history’s darkest truths, from war-torn landscapes to the weight of mob justice, witnessing the world through the eyes of X. Faces shifted—some in shock, some in deep thought, others unable to look away. That is the power of art: to make you feel, to make you question, to make you remember.
Opening my studio for this momentous occasion was more than just showcasing paintings; it was about creating a space for dialogue, for truth, for reckoning. And this is only the beginning.
To everyone who stepped into my world, engaged with my work, and shared in this experience—thank you. More to come. More stories to tell.
#SoloExhibition #JudgeJuryExecutioner #ArtThatSpeaks #StudioUnveiled
