b. 1993, Lagos, Nigeria Lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria Arinze Stanley Egbengwu is a Nigerian self-taught hyperrealist artist celebrated for his remarkably detailed portraits created with charcoal and graphite. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering from Imo State University. His journey in art began at the age of six, fostered by childhood access to paper and pencils through his family’s paper business—materials that became his tools and inspirations. Guided by his mantra of “Patience, Practice, and Persistence,” Stanley’s drawings demand time and dedication, with each piece often taking about a month to complete. His hyperrealist work engages deeply with social and political concerns, exploring themes such as racism, modern slavery, and feminism, often through a distinctly Nigerian lens. Signature series like People and Paper, which evokes feelings of entrapment and identity and Paranormal Portraits, a commentary on the oil industry’s impact, underline his commitment to activism through art. Stanley's works have been exhibited internationally across the U.S., Europe, and Africa, and are featured in both solo and group exhibitions at high-profile galleries and fairs.