Joshua Michael Adokuru is a self-taught artist studying computer science at the National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja. He found his voice using his current medium – working with strings, nails and acrylic on board, which he uses to represent Black people. He states, ‘I try to show how beautiful and significant the Black melanin is so I use unusual mediums to make that happen. My environment and people around me inspired me to paint. I love to capture the facial expression of the people I paint [create] because facial expressions are a form of nonverbal communication. I try to convey how I saw the emotional state of the individuals I portray.’ Exhibitions include, SAY IT LOUD (I’m Black and I’m Proud) pt.1 & 2, Christie’s, New York (2021 and 2020). BLACK VOICES: Friend of My Mind, Ross-Sutton Gallery, New York (2021) and Diaspora Unite! Artists of African Descent Benefit Auction, Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco (2020).