Nigerian artist Jacqueline Suowari turns subtle strokes from a ballpoint pen into intricate masterpieces. According to CNN, Suowari has been drawing since she was a child. She studied her craft at the University of Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria and has been working professionally for the last decade. Her work has been featured in exhibitions internationally.

Her recent exhibition, “Now I Wear Myself,” which she launched last summer, seeks to tackle taboo topics like the fetishization and simultaneous criticism of certain indigenous Nigerian cultures. She also takes aim at subjects like depression and shame. Her projects are usually accompanied by performance art and poems.

“I describe myself as a visual artist who specializes primarily with the ballpoint pen,” Suowari told CNN.

“With my drawings, I have this philosophy of layering — it’s just a way that I pattern my strokes upon each other,” Suowari explained. “I like to look at each stroke as the human experience. One experience, one stroke — and the gathering, and layering, and falling together of all the strokes creates the person and their character.”

Her latest piece for The Balvenie was inspired by Nigerian style influencer and photographer Ufa.

“As a visual artist, I am inspired by the uniqueness of identity and style; Ufa undeniably embodied those by defying the mainstream standards of beauty for women and choosing to love her body wholly, and the uniqueness it offers,” she said in an Instagram post.

“Easily, the essence of my work at play with Ufa’s story draws a parallel with The Balvenie – unique, rich in identity and excellence in craftsmanship,” she wrote.

Souwari says she believes artists take on the role of “some sort of prophet.”

“Some sort of priestess, or pastor, or doctor that should be able to use their art as a tool to inform positive change in people’s minds,” Suowari told CNN, noting that she receives large numbers of emails from supporters telling her how her art has impacted their lives.

“I think for me that is the greatest achievement: being able to use your art as a tool to change people for the greater good,” she said. “To inspire people to be better.”