“My early years were filled with drawings and paintings ranging from,
portraits, landscapes, figures, nude and so on. Everything I did then
wasn’t enough, my intention was to continue exploring and break boundaries in the art” – HK Locks

I have long been an admirer of art works across various spectrums. I am
always thrilled by paintings on converse, the artistry of sketches in
cartoons and comics. On a personal note, Lemi Ghariokwu’s interpretations
on over twenty-four album covers of Fela were collector’s items. The
thoughts of anything outside that sweeping me of my feet was an outside bet
until I came in contact with the body paintings from HK Locks. The
precision that comes with his art is textbook perfect.  I won’t attempt a
conclusive taxonomy of my favorite art masters, but if I try doing, Kalu
Isaiah a.k.a HK Lock will have his works in my top five now.

“My early years were filled with drawings and paintings ranging from,
portraits, landscapes, figures, nude and so on. Everything I did then
wasn’t enough, my intention was to continue exploring and break boundaries
in the art. I realized I needed to continue/expand my artistic horizons.
Body painting started off last year 2017, during a photo session we had in
my photographer’s studio (Kobi Williamz). It was after the shoot I got the
name HK Locks from the model and photographer. It really clicked from the
very first time I painted on a skin; I fell in love with body painting. At
this point I was enthralled with the idea of becoming a very unique,
creative and outstanding body painter. A lot of my work is influenced by
everything around me. I really want the world to see what body painting is
ultimately capable of expressing.” – HK Locks.

Born in the 90s, He grew up in Lagos and Ogun state. He’s an O.N.D graduate
of Federal Polytechnic Auchi, where he studied Art. Currently undergoing
online studies in Chromotherapy (Colour therapy), he began his career as an
artist at the age of 4. “As a child, my loving mother and siblings nurtured
my creative development. They also gave me the gift of freedom to express
myself in any form of art and also mature as an absolute individual. My
works have been featured in Yemi Alade’s birthday party, Alex Ekubo’s
birthday party, Nigeria Brewery (Tiger Beer), Naked Waters, Agatha Moreno’s
body painting titled FREEDOM. I also pimp cars, make custom sneakers,
custom jackets, acting and directing photo shoots.’ – He concluded.

Words by Sesan Adeniji