igbo, 2022

Oil on fabric

30 x 24 in

This piece is a painting on fabric that celebrates and explores the richness of my Igbo heritage through symbolic objects and cultural imagery. Departing from traditional geometric canvases, I cut a piece of wood into the organic shape of Nigeria to serve as the foundation for this work, embracing a more fluid and natural approach. Each object within the composition is carefully chosen to represent elements of Igbo identity and tradition.

The figures within the painting are intentionally faceless, either turned away or partially obscured, drawing attention to the symbols themselves. A person weaving akwete fabric—a handwoven textile unique to the Igbo people—anchors the piece in craftsmanship and cultural continuity. An elephant tusk, a marker of wealth and power, pours wine as a testament to social status in Igbo culture. A woman carrying a horsetail, a symbol of authority, stands alongside another figure balancing a basket of bananas, referencing daily life and the strength of women across African societies.

The ogene, a traditional iron bell central to Igbo music, resonates as the "master instrument" in cultural orchestras, while the figure of a blacksmith hammering metal highlights Awka, Nigeria, known for its historic blacksmithing traditions and my family's roots. A traditional African mask further connects the work to ancestral practices and the spiritual essence of the culture.

Through this piece, I aimed to capture the multifaceted essence of Igbo culture, weaving together symbols of art, music, craftsmanship, and power to reflect the richness of my heritage.