About the Artist
Full name: Damilare Testing Artist name: Testing
I am a contemporary sculptor whose practice revolves around exploring the dialogue between form, silence, and human resilience. Growing up in a household where creativity was a way of life, I developed an early fascination with raw materials and their ability to carry stories. Wood became my preferred medium because of its warmth, imperfections, and timeless connection to nature.
My work often strips the human figure to its essentials, removing facial features and unnecessary detail so the form itself can carry meaning. Through these faceless figures, I invite viewers to see themselves, their struggles, and their triumphs reflected back at them. Each curve, bend, and posture in my sculptures embodies moments of pause, contemplation, or inner strength — emotions that transcend culture and language.
Over the years, I have participated in group showcases across Nigeria and contributed to local art initiatives that empower emerging artists. My vision is to create works that not only adorn spaces but also spark deeper self-reflection and cultural dialogue. By blending traditional African aesthetics with contemporary minimalism, I aim to bridge the past with the present while contributing to a global conversation about identity and resilience.
Through ArtNativ, I am excited to share my creations with a wider audience and connect with collectors and enthusiasts who believe, as I do, that art is more than decoration — it is a mirror of the human spirit.
Artist statement: My art explores the silent strength of the human spirit. By carving faceless figures in wood, I create universal symbols of reflection and resilience, inviting viewers to see themselves within the forms and connect with their own inner journeys.