Renowned artist and educator Imal Silva is on a mission to empower fellow creatives. Through regular Zoom meetings and WhatsApp groups, Imal shares valuable insights on navigating artistic freedom and financial stability. His dedication to mentoring others is a testament to the teaching legacy inherited from his mother.

As a multifaceted talent, Imal Silva stands out as a shining example of creativity and generosity. We celebrate his unique spirit and commitment to uplifting the artistic community.

Writes Ireho Aito, iBAND Magazine, Lagos

Imal Silva’s name may evoke the vibrant rhythmic and football prodigious talents from Brazil, a country renowned for its tremendous export of football talents but, fortunately for Imal, his roots stretch back to the lush island of Sri Lanka, a land of rich cultural heritage shaped by Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Born into this multicultural melting pot, Imal’s life journey has been a confirmation to the power of creativity, resilience, and the unwavering love of family.

From his early days in Sri Lanka to his formative years in Nigeria, Imal’s story is one of adaptation, growth, and exploration. As he navigated the challenges of being a young immigrant in a new country, Imal’s mother, a devoted educationist and missionary, instilled in him a love for learning and creativity that would stay with him forever.

Imal’s family settled in a small town called Ife-Odan, several kilometers from Oyo, in what is now Osun state. Despite its rural setting, Ife-Odan had a profound impact on Imal’s life. “I learned many values from the people there,” he recalls. “Honesty, hard work, care for others, eating healthy, and contentment – these were the principles that guided my upbringing.”

Imal’s mother, a genuine and thoroughbred mentor, played a pivotal role in shaping his early years. Her unwavering dedication to his upbringing and education instilled in Imal a love for learning and creativity that would stay with him forever. “My mother’s love and guidance were instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of being a young immigrant in a new country,” Imal acknowledges.

Imal’s educational journey took him to some of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions, including the International School, University of Ibadan, and the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. He also attended the Harmattan Workshops, Agbarha-Otor, under the tutelage of renowned artist Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, renowned printmaker and a member of the Zaria Rebels whose historical frontliners on Natural Synthesis reshaped the way Nigerians and Africans artists project their art. These experiences not only broadened Imal’s knowledge but also deepened his understanding of the world around him. One of the few artists who invested in the power of learning to be ahead of his game, Imal went and garnered profound knowledge at Business Schools. What a quality experience that redirected the way he sees art. This sojourn made him to know there is art and there is art business.

Today, Imal Silva is a creative catalogue and force to be reckoned with. His experiences, shaped by his multicultural heritage and Nigerian upbringing, have informed his art and inspired his creative expression. As we reflect on Imal’s journey, we are reminded that creativity knows no borders and that the fusion of cultures can give rise to something truly remarkable.

In the words of Imal Silva, “My life has been a journey of discovery, growth, and creative expression. I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today, and I look forward to continuing to share my story with the world.”

From humble beginnings running a gallery in Ibadan to establishing a vast network of patrons, aficionados, and enthusiasts, Imal Silva has emerged as a trailblazing force in the international art scene. His prolific career boasts an impressive array of group and solo exhibitions, each one a testament to his innovative spirit and avant-garde style.

Imal’s artistic journey has been marked by a sense of wanderlust, with travels for exhibitions and documentary projects broadening his horizons and informing his craft. One of his most celebrated exhibitions, “Ode to Existence,” an abstract collection, continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying Imal’s position as a master of his medium.

Through his art, Imal Silva invites us to contemplate the very essence of existence, weaving a rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and ideas that transcend borders and boundaries. As we witness his continued rise to prominence, one thing is clear – Imal Silva is an artistic visionary, and his impact on the global art landscape will be felt for years to come.

As a dedicated educator at the University of Abuja, Abuja the city where he lives and currently practices, Imal Silva is passionate about empowering the next generation of artists and creatives. He shares his expertise with students, delving into the transformative impact of creative economy and the business acumen required to succeed in the visual art world.

Imal Silva is a true Renaissance man – a polymath whose vast knowledge and expertise span multiple disciplines, from geometry and science to medicine, architecture, music, and dance. As a highly educated and industrious individual, Imal has cultivated a unique blend of artistic and intellectual pursuits.

At the heart of Imal’s philosophy is the power of friendship, networking, and mentoring. He believes that these connections have sharpened his mind and fueled his creative journey. Curiously, Imal’s mantra would weave around and sound like, “Let’s live to heal, it’s the power of happiness!” Because this reflects his commitment to spreading joy and positivity through his art.

As a modern and articulate artist, Imal Silva is one of the most complete artists of our time. While his work is rooted in abstract expressionism, his knowledge and understanding of the world are remarkably vast. The universe has indeed bestowed upon us a precious gem in Imal Silva.

Recently, Imal engaged in a series of thought-provoking conversations with notable figures in the art world during his Turkish odyssey. These eventful sessions explored two pivotal themes: “Architecture as a Reflection of Culture” and “How Living Spaces Influence Human Behaviour.” Through these discussions, Imal Silva continues to inspire and educate, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.

Knowledge is indeed powerful and Imal can never stop sharing as he muses.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/ Photographs/Imal Silva