Wanger Ayu (b. 1986) is a visual artist & a fashion designer. Her mediums of expression combine the use of the tiv a’nger fabric with painting, printmaking, transfer & collage. Wanger was born in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria.

She studied law at the University of Exeter, UK, and fashion in the Middle East, where she earned a fashion diploma from the French Fashion University (ESMOD), Dubai. Following this she launched her fashion label, which was an instant hit, and earned her the patronage of the likes of acclaimed Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as well as several award nominations, including being nominated twice for the Future Awards prize for fashion.

Her transition to studio practice began in 2017 after an operation left her locked up at home for weeks, unable to walk too far or engage in very much physical activity. Art became her therapy and escape, providing her freedom. Since then, she has been mentored by some of Nigeria’s old and young masters including Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya and Mr. Sam Ovraiti through the Harmattan Workshop Series, and other renowned Nigerian artists
including Nduwhite Ndubuisi, Uthman Wahab, and Patrick Akpojotor, to name a few. Some of her influences include Vermeer, Collins Sekajugo, Abass Kelani, and Billie Zangewa.

Wanger presently lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria where she is inspired by the spirit of the city and a deeply curious mind.

EXHIBITIONS

Weaving Identity, Lagos 2021

Visage, London 2022

Decouvertes, Abidjan 2022