Nigerian-American artist Mask of Worro (Edward Asuzu) creates vivid, collage-like, abstract paintings. Mask of Worro thinks of his work as a collection of displaced forms, shapes, and colors, consolidated using various techniques. The artist grew up in Lagos, in a family of avid art collectors. The artist’s father collected traditional African art, especially masks and sculptures, and was also interested in Eastern European art. Early on Mask of Worro became familiar with Russian avant-garde art, such as Wassily Kandinsky’s expressive non-objective paintings. Traditional African art, Eastern European Modernism, as well as contemporary Nigerian art—are some of the defining influences at play in the artist’s work.

Mask of Worro aims to empower others through his art. He seeks to raise awareness of the great cultural wealth of his country of origin and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, he wants to bring attention to issues of poverty, lack of education and proper healthcare in this region. Mask of Worro donates proceeds from sales of his paintings to charity organizations involved in combating these issues.