Arinze Stanley

Arinze Stanley Egbengwu (born November 20, 1993), widely known as Arinze Stanley, is a Nigerian artist, activist, photographer, engineer, and entrepreneur, best known for his hyperrealistic pencil and charcoal drawings. His work is globally recognized for its exceptional detail and profound commentary on social and political issues.Early Life and Education Arinze Stanley was born in 1993, and currently lives in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a self-taught artist whose passion for drawing began at a young age, driven by a self-professed "zeal for perfection." Despite his artistic calling, Stanley pursued a formal degree in engineering. He graduated in 2014 from Imo State University with a Bachelor's of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering.Career Progression and Major Achievements Stanley's artistic career is defined by his mastery of hyperrealism, primarily using charcoal and graphite on paper. His distinctive style focuses on capturing minute details, particularly in human subjects, to elicit powerful emotional responses from the viewer. He utilizes his artwork as a medium for social and political activism, addressing pressing global issues such as racism, modern slavery, and feminism. This commitment to social commentary has elevated his work beyond mere technical skill, positioning him as an important voice in contemporary African art. He refers to his creative impulse as being "born out of the zeal for perfection both in skill, expression and devotion to create positive changes in the world.”Notable Works and Current Status Stanley's works are characterized by their compelling visual narratives and extraordinary technical execution. Notable pieces include those from his “Machine Man” series, such as *Machine Man No. 10*, *Machine Man No. 11*, and *Machine Man No. 12* (2022). Other significant works include *Flower Boy* (2024), *Red Braid* (2025), *The Black Flower* (2021), and *People and Paper IV* (2021). His art has been featured in several exhibitions globally, often in partnership with galleries like Arcadia Contemporary. Arinze Stanley continues his career in art, focusing on evolution and curiosity in his practice. He operates from The Pond Studio and is actively engaged in developing his work for upcoming exhibitions.