Joseph Abu

New York, New York

Using acrylic, oil pastel, charcoal, and chalk to create, Joseph’s art style adopts techniques of automatism and expressionism to create works based on specific values and or beauty. His creative process often starts with an absent mind, initial renderings on paper, meditation, and, eventually, painting. This method of work allows the artist to approach his work in an expressive yet focused manner that results in unique works of art. He takes on the challenge of true expression in each body of work with texture, color, and form to create art that revolutionizes the spaces they exist in.

Joseph A. Abu (1993) is a Nigerian born contemporary artist based in Atlanta, GA. His journey with art started with a consistent drawing practice as early as 3 years old. Later motivated by
social behavior and a worldly view, he studied political science and economics, while
continuing to make art to transpose his intellectual interests into artistic form. In 2019, he
completed his master’s in public administration from Cornell University.

Abu’s work is often abstract, as he is drawn to the absence of recognizable imagery that
abstract art can provide. He creates primarily large acrylic paintings on canvas and wood,
though he has worked with sculpture and many other containers for his work.

The urgency, bold color palette, and shapes in Abu’s work are drawn from his time living in
vibrant meccas like Lagos, Nigeria, New York City, as well as his many travels around the
world. He leans into the physicality of his work; how the body moves with each stroke. Abu
works as a kind of experiential translator, interpreting literal and perceptive experiences
through his unique lens as an intellectual observer and creative thinker. Abu has exhibited
across the country, with his most recent solo show in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2022.

Joseph’s work has been displayed at galleries and is owned by prestigious collectors. His goal with Teal Canvas is to democratize the process of collecting and commissioning his work to interested clients. Please note, all collectors are vetted for fit as these works are created with deep focus and require alignment. He is honored to work with those interested and looking forward to processing their inquiries.

Succinct and beautifully stated, to Joseph, art is life, and life means everything to the living.