Nina Fabunmi
Liberty Through Creativity
Biography
Nina Fabunmi’s interest in art began as a child, she developed her artistic skills just as she learnt how to read and write but realized it was a gift when she noticed that her peers could not do draw like she could. At six, she would make small drawings and render them with colored pencils. Her dad had a spot on the wall of his studio where he pinned up all her work. He is an architect and in her sheltered upbringing, his tools of creativity and artistic influence surrounded her. As a teenager, art became her means of expression, she wrote poetry, made drawings, paintings, collage, mosaic and fabric designs with tie-dye and batik. Upon her high school graduation, she received a Proficiency Certificate in Fine Art.
Dissuaded by her parents for the lack of faith that a career as an Artist could earn her a comfortable living, in 2001 she ended up with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Estate Management also called Real Estate. Her Department was in the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management that also housed the Fine Art department. This posed as a great advantage to her as she spent her free time in the Fine Art studios.
After her graduation, she decided to pursue her passion by embarking on a Masters in Fine Art. She knew that if she ever had to go back to school it would be on her own terms. She got on the Internet and searched for Art schools abroad and that was when she discovered the Academy of Art University. She made contact with the school, but at that time could not afford the fees so she put it on hold while she faced her corporate career.
Her only work experience in Real Estate was six months of Industrial Training. She then ventured into Broadcasting, Banking and Telecommunications. She moved from industry to industry in search for what she always had; a fulfilling career. She never stopped drawing and painting. In 2001 she got introduced to a Gallery owner who purchased five of her watercolor paintings. She was pleasantly surprised. In that same year, she made her first oil painting. She would paint and sell one- on- one to those who were privy to seeing her work as it was like a hobby to her. The Gallery owner introduced her to Art associations in Nigeria, which she eventually became a member of. She slowly integrated herself into the Art world in Nigeria and had her first Art Exhibition in 2008. Since then she had been exhibiting and selling her work while running a regular 8-5 job.
In 2011, she was commissioned to supply artwork to an establishment in Lagos Nigeria. This was the break she had been looking for and it paid her enough to pick up her dream of an MFA Fine Art painting at the Academy Of Art University.
Nina has been a docent at the Museum of the African Diaspora since August 2011. In 2012 she collaborated with the museum’s education department for the illustrations of a children’s book on the Igbo women’s war of 1929, which is now part of the diaspora curriculum. In that same year, she conducted an abstract painting workshop to the museum’s youth group after which the paintings were exhibited in the museum.
In 2013, she was awarded ‘Best of the Show’ in Bold Brush painting contest and two honorable mentions in the Turner painting contest. She also emerged as a semi-finalist at the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series.
In 2014 she won “Best of the Show” in the Artist Portfolio Magazine Portraits 18th edition and was also honored by President Elisa Stephens of the Academy of Art University for her outstanding academic achievement. Her work was auctioned at the Tom Joyner fantastic voyage thus helping raise educational funds for African American children.
Fabunmi is now has an MFA Painting from the Academy of Art University (AAU) in San Francisco. She graduated with a distinction and was highly recommended for a teaching position. She has worked as a part time member of Faculty at the AAU, has won several art awards and has been published in renowned art magazines such as the American Art Collector, Southwest Art Magazine, and Artist Portfolio Magazine. Her work has been shown in Africa, Europe and America. Fabunmi is versatile in portraiture, figures and landscapes and is especially known for her emotionally charged expressive technique, which she achieves with the use of a palette knife. Her work has been shown in prestigious places like the California State Building, UCSF Women’s Health Center and the Museum Of The African Diaspora through the 3.9 Art Collective, an art organization which she belongs to. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America and California Art Club. Her paintings are also shown at Studio Gallery and Gallery 1317 in San Francisco, and Gallery Guichard in Chicago Illinois. Fabunmi has an active studio practice at The Point Shipyard Artists, the largest artist community in the U.S.
PROFILE:
Accomplished Artist, Art Educator, Poet & Writer
22 Years working experience with over 19 years as Post graduate working experience.
Proven expertise & Extraordinary ability in Art
Enigmatic, self-motivated, creative, result-oriented and resourceful
A burning desire to learn and be exposed to new experiences.
PORTFOLIO LINKS
UX/UI https://www.behance.net/ninafabunmi
Website https://www.ninafabunmi.com
NFT Art https://opensea.io/ninapicasso
Music & Podcasts https://soundcloud.com/ninapicasso
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ninapicasso/
Twitter https://twitter.com/Ninartz
Saatchiart https://www.saatchiart.com/ninafabunmi
Writing https://ninartz.medium.com/
EDUCATION
2022/3, Project Management, Google Coursera
2023, UX Design Design Specialization, Google, Coursera
2022, Scrum Management Specialization, Learn Quest, Coursera
2014, MFA Painting, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
2001, BSc. Estate Management/ Real Estate, OAU Ile-Ife
ART AWARDS
2020, Art Span Amplify Award, 2-Time WINNER
2018, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional WINNER
2017, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional Finalist
2016, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional Finalist
2015, American Art Collector,Portrait Artist Directory
2015, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional Finalist
2015, Jerry’s Self Portrait Contest, Semi Finalist
2014, Society for Nigerian Artists (SNA), Distinguished Artist Award
2014, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional Finalist
2014, Creative Quarterly 37 (CQ 37), Runner Up
2014, Artist Portfolio Magazine, Best of the Show, Portraits Issue 19
2014, Academy Of Art University, President’s Honor, Academic Achievement Award (Twice)
2013, Bold Brush, Best of the Show, October
2013, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional Finalist
2013, Turner Painting Contest, 2 Honorable Mentions
1993, Federal Government Girls College, Proficiency Award, Best Student in Fine Art
Benin City
JUDGE/ PANELIST
2022, Bold Brush Painting Contest, Sep 2022
2017, Bold Brush Painting Contest, December 2017
2016, 21st Annual New Generation Student Show Case, de Young Museum, San Francisco
2015, 20th Annual New Generation Student Show Case, de Young Museum, San Francisco
2014, Bold Brush Painting Contest, October 2014
2014, Divergence: Emerging Legacies, 19th Annual New Generation Student Show Case,
de Young Museum, San Francisco, California
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2020, 3 Man Solo, Studio Gallery
2019, Streets Of gold, Salon 9, San Francisco, California
2017, Transience, Atelier Gallery, Academy Of Art University, San Francisco, California
2017, Eye Sea Your Beauty, Salon 9, San Francisco, California
2017, Serenity, UCSF Women’s Health Center, 7th Floor, San Francisco, California
2017, Black History Month Art Exhibition, State Building, San Francisco, California
2016, Beauty in the Bay, Gallery 1317, San Francisco, California
2016, The Haven, Atelier Gallery, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
2015, Black Friday & Beyond, West Coast Leather, San Francisco, California
2015, Rebirth, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, California
2014, Origins, 625 Gallery, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
2013, When Nature Speaks, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, California
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
2015, Reframe Art Industry of Conference: 3.9 Art Collective Exhibition , Museum of
the African Diaspora (MoAD), San Francisco, California
2014, Expand: de Young Museum, San Francisco, California
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
Delicious, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
On The Road, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Spring Open Studios, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
Terrain, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2022
Spring Open Studios, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
Delicious, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Marin Food Bank Auction, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Terrain, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2021
Delicious, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Urban & Rural, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2020
BASL Art Exhibition, Voss Gallery, San Francisco, California
Tiny, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Fall Virtual Open Studios, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
2019
Alphabet Soup, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California, San Francisco, California
Spring Open Studios, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
City by The Bay, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California, San Francisco, California
Black Migration, African American Arts & Cultural Complex,
Alphabet Soup, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Tiny, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2018
SCOPE Miami, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Boot G18, Miami Beach, Miami, Florida
Tiny, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Holiday Art Show, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
Fall Open Studios, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
23rd Academy Of Art University Faculty & Alumni Auction, San Francisco, California
Delicious, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Start-Up Art Fair, Hotel Del Sol, San Francisco, California
Urban/ Rural Views of California, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
ArtSpan Benefit Auction, SoMArts (March)
Spring Open Studios, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
2017
Holiday Show, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
22nd Academy Of Art University Faculty & Alumni Auction, San Francisco, California
Open Studios, Art Span, Week 1, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
Bombay sapphire Artisan Series, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland
Annual Group Show, Gallery 1317, San Francisco, California
City Streets, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Spring Open Studios, Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, San Francisco, California
Night Light, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2016
Art explosion Christmas Show, 744 Alabama Street, San Francisco, California
Tiny, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Open Studios, Art Explosion Studios, 744 Alabama Street, San Francisco, California
Open Studios Hub Exhibition, SOMArts, San Francisco, California
Delicious, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
City Streets, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
94109, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2015
Resolution, Art Span, ARC Galleries & Studios, San Francisco, California
20th Faculty & Alumni Art Auction, Academy of Art, The Cannery Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Community, Tuttle Gallery, Owings Mills, Baltimore, Maryland
12th Anniversary Show, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, California
Delicious, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
94109, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
City Streets, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Terrain, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
2014
4th Annual Holiday Art Exhibit, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, California
Place Misplaced, SOMArts, San Francisco California
Tiny 14, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Exit From Anonymous, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, California
Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage, Gallery Guichard, Chicago, Illinois
2013
2nd Annual Holiday Art Salon Exhibit, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, California
Tiny 13, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, California
Bid For a Cure, 111 Minna Gallery, San Francisco, California
2012
Altered States, Academy Of Art University, San Francisco, California
Spring Show, Academy Of Art University, The Cannery Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Delicious, Studio Gallery, San Francisco, California
A Breath Of Fresh Air, 601 Brannan, San Francisco, California
Pan African Film festival, Culver City, Los Angeles, California
2010
Ara Wa Ni Dr. Renee Sanders, Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
October Rain, Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos Nigeria
2009
Fyne Art’diction, Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Vlisco Fashion, African Artists Foundation, Civic Center, Lagos, Nigeria
October Rain, National Museum Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria
VASON Open House, Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Aquarelles et Peinture a Huile, Universite De Franche-Comte, Besancon, France
2008
Eden Fashion, Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Serendipity, Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Nigerians at work, National Museum Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria
Beyond Imagination, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria
October Rain, National Museum Onikan, Lagos Nigeria
SELECTED COMMISSIONS
2019 Commissioned Artist, Chase Center Of The Arts – New Warriors Stadium
2019 KQED Check Please, Season 14, Background Art/ Paintings
2018-9 SF Hearts Foundation, Tiny Heart, Painting on Heart Sculpture
2017-8 Commissioned Series Of SF Giants Paintings Pine Tar Grill Folsom Street
Restaurant Art Project
2015 Commissioned Portrait Of Congress Woman Barbara Lee
2015 “A Beautiful Heart”, Album Cover for Paul Tillman Smith
2015 Portrait Painting of Congresswoman Barbara Lee for Merritt College, Oakland
2011 Artwork Project for Army Establishment, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Commissioned by Late General Owoye Azazi, former National Security Adviser (NSA) to
Nigeria
MURALS
2021 India Basin Shoreline Park & Spiral Plaza Basketball Court & Plaza Community
Mural
2018 Sales Force Transit Center Mural 7x40ft
BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS
2022/3 Horse On A Tree, Long Beach California (in progress)
2012 Igbo Women’s War of 1929, Museum of African Diaspora, San Francisco, California.
2008 Zahra the Wind Seeker, by Nnedi Okorafor Mbachu, Farafina Books, Lagos Nigeria.
2005 Reunion of the Dead by Seun Olaniyi, Cover illustration.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Southwest Art, My Process/My Portfolio- Nina Fabunmi, Southwest Art Magazine Blog, December, 2019 via web https://www.southwestart.com/blogs/my-process-my-portfolio-nina-fabunmi
7x7, Hunter’s Point Artist Nina Fabunmi Escapes Life in Real Estate to Live Her Dream in SF via web https://www.7x7.com/hunters-point-shipyard-artist-nina-fabunmi-2640915673/particle-1
Nina Tabios, Art U news, Academy Graduate Nina Fabunmi Wins Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Regoinal Competition, February 14, 2019.
Nina Fabunmi/ Artist spotlight, SF Open Studios 2017 Guide, Volume 17, October 2017, Page 39,40 & 64
Chukwuemeka Bosah, The Art Of Nigerian Women, 2017, Pages 56 - 61
Nina Fabunmi/Special Section/ Collecting Portrait Art, American Art Collector, Volume 130, August 2016,
Page 62
Nina Fabunmi, Southwest Art Magazine, Special Section, Volume 48, No.3, Aug 2016, Page 118
Nina Fabunmi, Portrait Artists Directory, American Art Collector, Volume 118, August 2015, Page 160
Nina Fabunmi, Southwest Art Magazine, Special Section, Volume44, No.12, May 2015, Page 142
Joshua Rose, The American Art Collector, Nina Fabunmi: Special Section/ Collecting Cityscape Art,
Volume 112, February 2015, Pages 74 & 78
Joe Kovack, Nina Fabunmi: The Modern Landscape, Southwest Art Magazine, Volume 44, No. 3, August
2014, Page 44 & 119
Ben Walker, Artist Portfolio Magazine, Nina Fabunmi, Cover Page & Pages 4-7
Dario Rutigliano, Articulaction Art Review, Nina Fabunmi, Special Issue ,June 2014, Pages 18 - 31
Sherwin Brian, Art Talk on the Edge: Interview with Artist Nina Fabunmi, The Art Edge, January 16,2014.
Pierce Alison, African Genesis, Academy Of Art University, Volume 1, Cover Page, November 2013.
Oakland Art Murmur, When Nature Speaks-New Works by Nina Fabunmi, October 2013.
Informed Collector, Nina Fabunmi-absolutely stunning portraiture, Fine Art Views, August 20,2013.
Okonkwo Sunny, Nina Fabunmi-One Of The Best Female Fine Artists In Nigeria, Welcome To Sunnygist,
November 6,2012.
Ehirim Ambrose, Conversations with Nina Fabunmi, The Ambrose Ehirim Files, May 4, 2012.
Nina Fabunmi, I’m an Artist, Taruwa, July-September 2010 Issue, page 28-29.
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
49 South Van Ness, Permanent Collection
S.E Community Center on Evans Street, Permanent Collection
Chase Center, San Francisco
Tom Joyner (Celebrity Radio Personality)
F.E. Jordan & Associates, San Francisco, California
Lovisa Brown, Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco, California
Paula Dees, San Francisco, California
Fletcher Rouse, JRDR Properties Oakland, California
MEMBERSHIPS
Portrait Society of America
California Art Club
Three Point Nine Art Collective
