Vanessa Endeley
b.1994 Lagos, Nigeria
Vanessa Endeley is a visual artist whose works are a fusion of contemporary art and profound introspection. Her focus is on the exploration of the human experience and the essence of existence itself, with her pieces often evoking a sense of profound emotional depth, inviting viewers to dive into the layers of her artistry and explore the human psyche.
Through the interplay of bold brushstrokes, delicate lines, and a rich colour palette, she creates visually compelling and emotionally charged pieces that leave an indelible impression on the observer's mind. This unyielding passion for self-expression led her to pursue formal training at the University of the Arts London, refining her techniques and honing her artistic voice.
Vanessa is a key collaborator in a major academic research project within the Photography Programme at London School of Communication. Holding Space aims to help students make work about their personal traumatic experience within a higher education setting.
Vanessa has collaborated with well established brands like Cartier and Saatchi Gallery. She participated in an exhibition celebrating black history month at Christie’s London, and her works were a significant conversation starter at the 2024 edition of ArtXLagos.
Her work was included in a group exhibition at the Barbican Library, London, in April 2025. She is set to make her debut at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London this October, marking an exciting new chapter in her practice.
exhibitions
2025 Group Exhibition, Floating in Space, Barbican Library, London
2025 Group Exhibition, 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair, Affinity Gallery, London
2024 Group Exhibition, Floating in space, Affinity Gallery, Lagos
2024 Group Exhibition, LUX magazine+Bicester Village Emerging Artist Initiative, Bicester
2024 Group Exhibition, Christie’s Lates, London
2024 Group Exhibition, ArtXLagos, Affinity Gallery, Lagos
2023 Group Exhibition, invited Artist, ING Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London
2023 Group Exhibition, Ambivalent Paradox, Omaka Gallery, London
2022 Group Exhibition, Portrayed to Protagonist, Galerie Geek, India
2022 Group Exhibition, Between the Lines, International Body of Art, London
2021 Winner Photography category, Next Big Thing, London
2021 Group Exhibition, LCC Degree Show, London
2021 Group Exhibition, The Other Art Fair, London
2021 Group Exhibition, Welding Cultures, Soshiro Gallery, London
2020 Group Exhibition, Kwetu, London City Hall, London
2020 Group Exhibition, UN-TOLD, Retro Africa Gallery, Abuja
2019 Group Exhibition, Passports, Lagos Photo Festival, Lagos2018 Group Exhibition, TedxMaitama, Abuja
2018 Group Exhibition, Womanish II, The Cube, Abuja
2018 Group Exhibition, Influx, The Cube, Abuja
collaborations
2024 - Kiribaku Art and Loft UK, exhibited three artworks for interior design showroom in London
2024 - Art in the Docks; volunteering to teach art to children from Gallions primary school, adult workshops on filmmaking and video editing
2023 - London College of Communication; academic research project, Holding Space, for higher education students who choose to work on traumatic subject matters
2021- Cartier Studio 7 Exhibition, Saatchi Gallery, London UK; commissioned by Mary McCartney to photograph attendees wearing Cartier jewellery pieces at Saatchi Gallery
2021- Portrait session with Jay Blades MBE, TV Presenter and BAFTA award winner
2019 - Panellist speaker on Gender Based Violence, Human Rights Day, Institut français du Nigéria
2019 - Residency Mentorship Program with Photographer, Rahima Gambo; participated in Artist talk titled ‘Process, Pathways and Photography’
2019 - Residency at African Artists Foundation, Women Through the Lens program; developed and presented documentary film ‘Working Women’ at Lagos Photo Festival
2019 - Photo assignment for Zinc Network UK; promoting interfaith tolerance in Northern Nigeria