Nkolika Obiako-Anyabolu

Nkolika Anyabolu (-Obiako) popularly known by her peers as Slasher is a Medical Doctor who graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery degree from the esteemed University of Nigeria Nsukka. She is a self taught artist who right from childhood had always had a flare for the fine arts often drawing all the time whenever she had a pencil in her hand. This innate talent kept burning like a hot flame and she ended being the only female in her fine art class in 1995 while in secondary school. Being the only female only propelled her to work harder than her male counterparts in developing her skills; this then earned her the award for the Best Fine Art Student in Federal Government College Enugu, Nigeria in 1995.

In Medical School she distinguished herself as a lover of the arts as she was always commissioned to make banners, flyers and brochures. She went into making unique hand painted cards in 2004 which were and are still being sold extensively. She was voted the most versatile female upon graduation by her fellow classmates.

In 2007 she had her 1st solo exhibition in Lokoja, Nigeria. The theme of the exhibition was “Attractions of Kogi State: Observations by a Corps Member” and it was held at the Museum of Colonial History in Lokoja and it attracted a lot of prominent personalities many of whom were marvelled at the boldness with which she pursued the expression of her talent. She made history by being the 1st female and the 1st Medical Doctor to host a major art exhibition in Kogi State. She has also taken part in several group exhibitions in Nigeria and is a member of the ARTzero group of artists in Nigeria.
She has won several awards including:

• Most Outstanding corps member Kogi State NYSC 2006 Batch B
• Kogi State NYSC State Merit award 2007
• NYSC Presidential Honours Award 2007

As a person she believes in aiming high and pursuing ones dreams, no matter how daunting it could be. Often going through very frustrating times on her canvas she never lowers her standards which is and has always been to bring out the beauty of life through her works. She believes in striving for perfection and in giving her best in all she does.

I make art because I love art and have an innate deep seared passion for the fine arts. It gives me utmost joy producing paintings and I try to convey the peace I feel when I paint unto my works.
My inspiration comes from the beauty I see all around me...in nature, happiness, sadness, pain and in my pure love for God.

I use my art to express myself in ways that only colours can convey. My art reflects the peace and joy I experience whenever I hold a brush.

I work mainly in oil and acrylic media for a variety of reasons. Oil affords me dexterity and versatility that can only be found in a truly free soul. Acrylic affords me the speed required to capture fleeting inspirations. Both oil and acrylic media are beautiful and they give me the required finish depending on the message I want to convey via my works.

I like describing myself as being very simple yet complicated. I love the very simple things of life and I don’t give up easily in whatever I set my mind to do. I also love challenges and setting goals for myself.

life is but a short journey that ought not to be walked alone and in utter disregard for the beauty that lies all around..................much more in bad situations

I have won several awards including:
• Most Outstanding corps member Kogi State NYSC 2006 Batch B
• Kogi State NYSC State Merit award 2007
• NYSC Presidential Honours Award 2007

I work mainly in oil and acrylic media for a variety of reasons. Oil affords me dexterity and versatility that can only be found in a truly free soul. Acrylic affords me the speed required to capture fleeting inspirations. Both oil and acrylic media are beautiful and they give me the required finish depending on the message I want to convey via my works.