Victor Isiguzo’s story as an artist, from drawing as a child, to founding his own community: Codex Artwork is proof that being an artist can be sustainable if one creates works that are true to self. Born into a family of creatives, Victor’s affinity towards the arts didn’t take anyone by surprise as his mother worked as a fashion designer, and his father was heavily involved in music making and directing. His artistic journey was kickstarted in the corridors of his primary school, where everyone recognised his talents for the craft.

At this time, his parents were going through a separation that affected him as a young boy. For Victor, Art was more than just a subject—it had become a sanctuary. “I was always sad about my parents’ issues so much that I started failing in school but would always manage to pass fine art and then I was awarded as the best student in Fine art. Teachers and students would applaud my drawing.”

While Victor’s parents eventually separated at the age of 10, his passion for the arts began to take shape, and bare financial fruits in his secondary school years. Victor would create portraits and sketches for friends for a token, and seeing immediate gratification for his talents inspired him to take the arts seriously. He factored this into his choice of study in the higher institution and went on to pursue fine arts at the University. Within the walls of tertiary education, Victor immersed himself in the school’s creative community.

Victor Isiguzo, Mother Mary

At this time, Victor’s art had begun to find its own identity aesthetically and thematically. His paintings grew into brightly colored works with bold outlines that caught the eye. He uses African patterns to create texture on monochrome backgrounds. The motif is usually feminine– dark skinned women, or even– women of any color presented in regale activity or in their mundane states. It seems Victor, with his artworks wants to lend power and credence to the African woman.

The man uses his art as a conduit to express emotions buried within. Being raised by his mother after his parents separated, his works are carefully thought out and executed to portray feminine prowess. “My works are a sign of utmost respect and value for women worldwide,strong representation of the African woman as a focus to promote a rich culture and most important to idolize my mother and all women who have made tough sacrifices for their country and kids” he said.

Works like “Mother Mary,” delve into the tranquility and holiness embodied by virtuous women. Through his art, Victor Isiguzo aims to convey societal morals, promoting values of hope, endurance, and strength—a reflection of the lessons learned from his own mother’s unwavering determination during periods of hardship.

Victor Isiguzo, Green & Black Nigeria

He also touches on politics. In “Green & Black Nigeria,” a poignant piece created for Nigeria’s Independence Day. He uses a dark-skinned lady with green hair and tears to represent the struggles against poor governance, corruption, and insecurity. “I think most art work has a bit of politics, I would say my work promotes social changes more than anything else but I have created pieces with political intent in view.” The piece, ‘Green & Black Nigeria’ has found a level of success in Nigeria, winning an exhibition/competition organised by Kunle Adesun and garnering public acclaim.

Over time, Victor Isiguzo began to expand expertise across his immediate community, he founded Codex Artwork as a group online for creatives both professional and emerging to connect and learn from one another. This was a way for him to give back and assume a mentorship role among younger artists to help sharpen their craft. Codex Artwork would get placements at local exhibitions for its members and they would organize contests to cultivate a spirit of healthy competition amongst themselves. The group gradually evolved and became a brand as more people started to notice them and reach out for artworks of their own.

Codex Artwork specializes in abstract art, portraits, and digital paintings. The brand has since entered the commercial space, finding clients in the real estate sector. “I believe that art plays a vital role in shaping our surroundings and giving us a sense of identity, to show where we come from through cultural interventions in the urban landscape with significance and possibilities for different purposes.” While some may argue that commercial art is a watered down form of the craft, it is important to note that even the strongest revolutions start at home and finding success in this space will afford more artists to create what they want.

Victor Isiguzo of Coded Artwork now lives in the UK and continues to create artwork for commercial and public consumption. He aspires to establish his own studio and create impact within his immediate community. His next exhibition in London with Yorland Republic is slated for 29th January, 2024, this is a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of his impactful works and current state of mind.

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