Cyril Emmanuel (X the Villain)

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.

Discover contemporary artworks by Cyril Emmanuel (X the Villain), browse recent artworks and buy online. Categories: contemporary nigerian artists. Artistic domains: Painting, Sculpture. Account type: Artist , member since 2025 (Country of origin Nigeria). Buy Cyril Emmanuel (X the Villain)'s latest works on ArtMajeur: Discover great art by contemporary artist Cyril Emmanuel (X the Villain). Browse artworks, buy original art or high end prints.

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