Who Is Ngu Asongwed?

I am multidisciplinary artist and senior art director with a passion for blending visual storytelling, digital media, and culture. My creative journey started with co-founding The Kanek Skate shop in 2012, Newark’s first Black-owned skate shop. The Kanek became a hub for skateboarding, street culture, and creative collaborations, helping me develop my skills in brand-building, event production, and community engagement.

From there, I moved into event and venue management as the director of The Life Lab, an artist incubator and event space. Here, I curated exhibitions, cultural programs, and music events that highlighted Newark’s underground art and music scenes. The Life Lab became a crucial space for artists like UNIIQU3 and DJ Sliink, and garnered media attention from The Fader and Noisey.

In 2020, I was selected for the prestigious D&AD Shift NY program, where I worked on campaigns like Adidas’ UNITEFIT line, sharpening my skills in digital storytelling, brand concepting, and campaign development.

I then joined Area 23 as a Senior Art Director, where I worked on high-profile pharmaceutical campaigns & led asset creation that pushed creative boundaries in digital and physical mediums. My ability to conceptualize impactful narratives and deliver visually compelling campaigns earned me recognition within the agency.

Alongside my professional work, I continue to explore social issues through my art, including my short films City on Fire & Gourd, which delves into race and rebellion. I’m always looking to push the limits of creativity, whether through digital campaigns, cultural events, or personal art projects.