ArtistsNetwork.com 47myself. My favorite material depends
on my mood.
Over time, my style has gradually
transitioned from being meticulously
detailed to more suggestive and ges-
tural, as I become more interested in capturing the
essence of my subject. My work centers largely on
humanity. I embrace the challenge to refl ect on societal
issues in my paintings. I like them to be relatable.AH: What did you fi nd most challenging about the
World Cup paintings?
IA: Time! Time ran out quickly trying to paint the
soccer stars. On the other hand, it was a great
opportunity to challenge myself to paint fast and
with confi dence, and I totally loved the experience.AH: What’s next for you?
IA: Th e creative mind is always active. I intend to keep
creating and expanding my audience. Th ankfully, I just
got a bigger studio space after leaving my job of 15 years
as an art director in an advertising fi rm to begin a full-
time art practice. Th e studio space is located on the same
premises as a Youth Art Centre that I founded with my
wife. Here, we train young people in arts and crafts. I’ll
also be involved with periodic solo and group art exhibi-
tions, both local and international. Long-term, I hope to
deepen the global art conversation.
My wife and I did a family art experiment with our
children that we called “Bonding.” It was on exhibit in
November and December of last year, and revealed the
role of art as a major element in binding us together as
a family. Th e project has been humbling for my wife and
me, as it’s made us understand the deeper meaning of
patience, pain, joy, love, freedom and sincerity from
watching our 4- and 6-year-olds as they paint along. WAAnne Hevener is editor-in-chief of Watercolor Artist,
Pastel Journal and Artists Magazine.Meet the Artist
Ibe Ananaba
(ibeananabart.com) was
born in Belgium and raised
in Aba, Nigeria. Ananaba
began making art as a
child, and later studied
fine and applied arts at
the Institute of
Management and
Technology, Enugu, in Nigeria, where he majored in
painting and graduated with distinction. He also works
as the chief art consultant and coordinator of studio
programs for Girl Child Art Foundation. The artist has
exhibited in Nigeria, South Africa, Israel, the United
States and England. He lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.RIGHT
Neymar Jr.—Brazil
(watercolor on
paper, 24x18)Luis Suarez—
Uruguay
(watercolor on
paper, 24x18)BRAVEROOTS PHOTOGRAPHY