WHO IS PHILHEAL?

Philheal is a self-taught Nigerian multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago, working across illustration, animation, and 3D art. His practice is rooted in storytelling, drawing from African spirituality, mythology, and pre-colonial history to build immersive fantasy worlds that bridge tradition and spirituality. Influenced by comic books, manga, and animation, Philheal approaches each piece as a narrative moment, like a still frame from a larger, unfolding story.

His work reflects a deep interest in preserving and reimagining African cultural narratives within contemporary and digital spaces.

He began minting his work on the blockchain in 2021 and has since exhibited internationally, including in New York, Senegal, Los Angeles, Miami, South Korea, Japan, and France.

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His ongoing project, Dibia and the Masquerade (DAM), is a long-form world-building series that explores diverse characters, stories, beliefs, and history. Inspired by indigenous belief systems, DAM follows spiritual intermediaries navigating a world where ancient forces and emerging technologies collide. Through this body of work, Philheal aims to expand the presence of African fantasy in global visual culture while creating timeless, story-driven art