Francis Simeni

Francis Simeni is a painter living in Hickory, North Carolina. Born in Nigeria, the son of a diplomat, Francis split his childhood between Poland and Nigeria before settling in New York City for 36 years, and now Hickory. It is from this perspective that he creates compositions with intense personal narratives. His graphic compositions are infused with emotion from an earthy warm palette and grainy wood surface to a vibrant and full palette on torn up collaged pieces of paper. Using these natural and man-made surfaces as part of composition grounds each piece as it creates a narrative that focuses on a limited color palette sometimes, and a broader, more colorful palette at other times. He explores personal themes and how each person’s story relates to the broader human experience.

Francis’ interest in visual storytelling led him to study illustration at FIT, where he received an Associates Degree. He spent many years designing graphics for apparel and created illustrations for print publications like The New York Times.

His background in illustration and design melds with his expressive hand to produce graphic yet emotive paintings that are informed by his experience as an unsettled settler.