# Stephanie Unaeze

> Nigerian self-taught painter and mixed media artist

**Wikidata**: [Q138085057](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138085057)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stephanie-unaeze

## Summary
Stephanie Unaeze is a Nigerian self-taught painter and mixed-media artist based in Lagos. She is known for her visual art and illustration work, influenced by artists like Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare. Her interdisciplinary background in computer science and design further shapes her creative approach.

## Biography
- Born: 1992, Kano, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  - Design, Parsons School of Design
  - Visual Arts, University of Lagos (studied until 2017)
- Known for: Self-taught painter and mixed-media artist, blending technology and art
- Employer(s): None listed (independent artist)
- Field(s): Visual arts, illustration, computer science

## Contributions
Stephanie Unaeze is recognized for her self-taught artistic career, which began after completing her computer science education. Her work has been featured on platforms like Artsy and Gallery Affinity, showcasing her ability to merge digital and traditional art forms. She has been influenced by prominent African artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare, incorporating their styles into her own unique aesthetic. Her interdisciplinary background in computer science allows her to experiment with innovative techniques in her art. Additionally, she has contributed to discussions on the role of artists in society, particularly during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of art in healing and community-building.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Stephanie Unaeze known for?
A: Stephanie Unaeze is known as a self-taught Nigerian painter and mixed-media artist based in Lagos. She blends technology and traditional art forms, influenced by artists like Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare.

### Q: Where did Stephanie Unaeze study?
A: Stephanie Unaeze studied computer science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, design at Parsons School of Design, and visual arts at the University of Lagos until 2017.

### Q: Who has influenced Stephanie Unaeze's work?
A: Stephanie Unaeze has been influenced by artists such as Nina Chanel Abney, Peju Alatise, Ndidi Dike, Yinka Shonibare, and Kehinde Wiley.

### Q: What is Stephanie Unaeze's background in computer science?
A: Stephanie Unaeze holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, which informs her interdisciplinary approach to art.

### Q: Where can Stephanie Unaeze's art be viewed?
A: Stephanie Unaeze's art has been featured on platforms like Artsy, Gallery Affinity, and The Flux Review.

## Why They Matter
Stephanie Unaeze's work stands out for her ability to bridge the gap between technology and traditional art, creating a unique visual language that resonates with contemporary audiences. Her interdisciplinary background in computer science allows her to experiment with innovative techniques, such as digital manipulation and mixed-media collages. By drawing inspiration from African artists like Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare, she contributes to the broader conversation about African art in the global context. Her self-taught journey highlights the democratizing power of art, proving that formal education is not a prerequisite for creative excellence. Stephanie Unaeze's art has been featured in notable publications and galleries, further establishing her as a significant figure in contemporary Nigerian and African art.

## Notable For
- Self-taught artist blending computer science and visual arts
- Influenced by prominent African artists like Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare
- Featured in major art platforms such as Artsy and Gallery Affinity
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- Contributed to discussions on the role of art in society, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Stephanie Unaeze was born in 1992 in Kano, Nigeria. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, later studying design at Parsons School of Design. She also attended the University of Lagos for visual arts until 2017.

### Artistic Career
Unaeze began her artistic career as a self-taught painter and mixed-media artist, influenced by prominent African artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare. Her work has been featured on platforms like Artsy and Gallery Affinity, showcasing her ability to merge digital and traditional art forms.

### Influences and Style
Unaeze's work is influenced by artists like Nina Chanel Abney, Peju Alatise, Ndidi Dike, Yinka Shonibare, and Kehinde Wiley. Her interdisciplinary background in computer science allows her to experiment with innovative techniques in her art, creating a unique visual language that resonates with contemporary audiences.

### Public Engagement
Unaeze has contributed to discussions on the role of art in society, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of art in healing and community-building. Her work has been featured in notable publications and galleries, further establishing her as a significant figure in contemporary Nigerian and African art.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/411698-interview-with-covid-19-the-world-needs-artists-more-than-ever-before-stephanie-unaeze.html?tztc=1)
2. [Source](https://www.thefluxreview.com/stephanie-unaeze-qa/)
3. [Source](https://www.artsy.net/artwork/stephanie-unaeze-popular-culture-rediscovery)
4. [Source](https://www.artsy.net/artist/stephanie-unaeze)
5. [Source](https://galleryaffinity.com/artists/stephanie/index.html#)
6. [Source](https://bellafricana.com/meet-stephanie-unaeze-young-nigerian-illustrator/)
7. [Source](https://www.artfinder.com/blog/post/black-history-month-stephanie-unaeze/?srsltid=AfmBOooEeVSchoJdIIIqDsIGHseP77QKt-cKvuZ3oyM5IV0hAGrg23M0#/)