Emmanuel Inua is an artist whose work speaks of a greater truth that extends far beyond the canvas.

“I would describe my art as a tool to express my inner feelings also to expose the creativity of God, and also to further expand the gospel of Jesus Christ, “Inua said.

“The number one inspiration I have is from looking at the creation of God; the way God created man, the way God created the woman for instance, the woman has very beautiful form. And God brought the woman naked to the man to appreciate the epitome of his creation.”

Emmanuel enjoys capturing the everyday lives of African people in his artwork.

“I love looking at people and studying their facial expressions; when they are angry, when they are happy,” Inua said. “I love looking at children, playing, relating with them.”

Much of Emmanuel’s work depicts women in their natural environment

“Well I have a bias towards women generally,” Inua said. “I feel the male folk are not doing enough to take care, to protect nurture, to cherish the women the way God gave us responsibility to do.”

Emmanuel is passionate about helping African women and children. He is collaborating with several artists on a special project designed to help women in need.

“The women of Africa project is a personal initiative,” Inua said. “I believe God impressed it on me to incorporate it into my ministry.”

According to Inua, when we hear about war, it is mostly in African countries, especially West Africa where young women are raped and brutalized by the soldiers.

“I see a situation where I can work with other artists and organizations to bring in funds that can come into assisting and alleviating the pains that these women and children go through,” Inua said.

As a painter, Emmanuel has an avid following. Many see the deeper message in his work.

“There is always a message in his works,” Alex, a fan of Inua’s paintings said. “At first glance it appears that he is just painting a woman. But if you look at the setting, he tells a compelling social message. They are things that always communicate to the average man.”

Emmanuel’s work also displays a spiritual message, which can bee seen in many of his paintings. In a particular painting titled A Mother’s Love Inua wanted to create a situation where people could see how deep the love between a mother and a new born baby is, then compare it to the love God has for us which is even deeper and closer than this manner of love.”

As an artist, Emmanuel says he strives to change the way the world views African Art.

“African art has been taken for granted for ages, and there has been a lot of misunderstandings about the African art forms,” Inua said. “I belong to the newer generation of artists and we try to correct these impressions.”

Besides painting inspiring pictures, Emmanuel’s true heart is evangelizing to the lost. Emmanuel uses the proceeds from his paintings to support his ministry as he feels God is using his art for a greater purpose.

“I see an interesting relationship between my art and my ministry,” Inua said. “I sell my art, I hold exhibitions, and raise money to fund the ministry work, so I see an interesting interplay between my art and the ministry work. Both of them bring great fulfillment to my life.”