Caezar Segun is a Nigerian visual artist living and working in Toronto, Canada. Originally trained in Government administration, he pursued his passion for fine art, first gaining recognition for his highly detailed pencil portraits. Over time, his practice evolved into a distinctive style that combines oil and acrylic painting with structured, vibrant compositions, focusing on Black subjects.
Caezar’s work explores themes of identity, culture, and storytelling, often incorporating symbolism—most recently, koi fish—to deepen the narratives within his portraits. His technique is both meticulous and expressive, employing a wet-on-wet approach, unconventional blending tools like makeup brushes, and a section-by-section painting method that enhances detail and realism.
The koi in my work represent endurance, transformation, and quiet strength. For me, that’s the everyday story of a typical Black person, stretching all the way back to our ancestors. Whenever I paint Black subjects, I include koi as the spirit of those ancestors.. silent witnesses who continue to walk with us.
They symbolize the hope we draw from and the power we tap into just to keep going. Their presence is spiritual; they carry memory, resilience, and the reminder that we are never moving alone.
Caezar's work embraces the fusion of shapes and colors, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of emotions. Each brushstroke tells a story, inviting you to embark on a journey of interpretation and discovery. Its distinct style, born from the heart and mind, offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
His art has been exhibited in prestigious spaces, including the Emancipation Exhibition at Helson Gallery, the Black Dreams and Aspirations Juried Exhibition at Toronto Union Station, Blk Frames 3 at Withrow Common, and most recently, A Transit Through Time at Union Station in February 2025. He was also part of the Lunar Codex project, which sent selected artists' works to the moon.
Beyond exhibitions, Caezar is committed to artistic innovation and community engagement. He is currently launching a portrait painting competition in Canada and leading an educational school tour designed to inspire young artists. Through his work, he continues to push boundaries, challenge narratives, and redefine contemporary portraiture.
