Diseye Tantua

Diseye Tantua is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans
painting, sculpture, interior design, product design, and fashion design. Self-styled as
an “experimentalist,” his brand name D-ARTIST serves to define him simply as an
artist.

As a painter, Tantua’s strong personal style can be understood as an Afrocentric
interpretation of Pop Art — Afro Pop Art — characterized by the use of indigenous
proverbs inscribed in vernacular, graphic symbols, bold colours, and expressive text.
His drawings draw inspiration from traditional sayings made popular on headboards,
bumper stickers, buses, taxis, tricycles, and street signs. Focusing on social groups
in urban spaces, Tantua often depicts forms of transit and movement, overlaying
these scenes with popular local expressions that capture the energy and dynamism
of city life.

Tantua’s professional affiliations include the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), where
he served as Vice President (South East) from 2018 to 2021, following his tenure as
Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter from 2015 to 2018. He is also a member of the
Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA).

Dedicated to mentorship, he continues to guide young artists and promote high
standards of practice and teaching in the visual arts through exhibitions, workshops,
and seminars. In recognition of his contributions to the SNA and the development of
visual arts in Nigeria, he was honoured with a Fellowship.
Featured as one of the top designers and product designers in the documentary
Made by Design (Episode Eleven) on Netflix International, Tantua has also appeared
on CNN Africa Avant-Garde and Reuters News, among others. His works have
received numerous awards and are held in significant collections around the world.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I like to see art as a composition, which is why I have remained an experimentalist —
not to be tagged a painter, sculptor, or product designer. My drawings, illustrations,
and paintings can be viewed as forms of visual storytelling — humorous and
colourful, yet carrying strong messages for viewers to interpret in their own ways, as
we all see differently.