My art is inspired by the rich cultural heritage of my Igbo roots, as well as the deep spiritual and ancestral connections that have shaped my worldview. I draw from the oral traditions and rituals of my upbringing, which serve as a wellspring of creative energy. Each piece I create is a reflection of my ongoing dialogue with the past—an effort to remember and honor the stories that have been neglected or forgotten by mainstream history. The objects, forms, and symbols I work with speak to a deeper understanding of identity, resilience, and the everyday strength of ordinary people.
Through my art, I aim to bring attention to the spiritual and emotional power embedded in the objects and rituals that define my culture. Whether it is a calabash, a carved limb, or the marks left by generations before us, these items carry with them centuries of lived experience and untold wisdom. My practice is a visual exploration of these symbols and their ability to transcend time, offering a space for reflection on cultural memory and collective identity.
I work across a variety of mediums, including sculpture, relief, and painting, each chosen to best express the depth and complexity of the themes I explore. Sculpture, in particular, allows me to create tactile, three-dimensional works that embody the strength and resilience of the stories I seek to tell. Using materials such as carved wood and clay, I bring forms to life that speak of survival, memory, and spiritual significance. Relief work provides a space for me to experiment with texture and depth, creating layered, intricate surfaces that evoke the weight of ancestral knowledge.
Painting, on the other hand, allows for a more fluid exploration of color and symbolism, often working in tandem with my sculptures to amplify the emotions and narratives they convey. I treat each medium not simply as a surface but as a living vessel—an extension of the spirit that infuses each piece. Together, these materials form a holistic practice that bridges the visual and the spiritual, offering a unique language for exploring cultural heritage and human experience.
The themes for my artwork often emerge from a deeply personal connection to my own cultural history and identity. Growing up with a strong sense of tradition, I’ve always been fascinated by the ways in which stories, memories, and rituals are passed down through generations. Each artwork begins with a question or a story that I feel compelled to explore—whether it’s the survival of a community, the resilience of a culture, or the quiet strength of ordinary individuals. I allow these themes to guide my creative process, evolving naturally as I interact with the materials.
Furthermore, I engage with the ongoing conversation between the past and the present. The works often explore concepts like displacement, belonging, and the search for identity, especially in the context of cultural change and transformation. I approach each theme with sensitivity, ensuring that the work speaks not just to me as the creator, but also to the audience, inviting them into a shared experience of discovery and connection.
Yes, many of my works are available for purchase. I welcome inquiries from both private collectors and institutions who are interested in acquiring pieces from my collection. Each work is an exploration of cultural memory and identity, crafted with a deep commitment to artistic integrity and cultural sensitivity. When you acquire a piece, you're not just owning a work of art; you're preserving a story, a moment in time, and a piece of heritage.
For commissions, I offer private consultations to ensure that the piece you select aligns with your personal or institutional vision. I also accept requests for bespoke artworks, which are tailored specifically to the client's needs. Whether you're seeking a statement sculpture for your collection or a custom painting that speaks to your own heritage, I work closely with each client to bring their vision to life while maintaining the artistic spirit and narrative integrity of my work.
Yes, I am open to commissions for custom work, including sculpture, relief, and painting. Whether you’re looking for a specific piece for your home, a commemorative artwork for an event, or a site-specific installation for an institution, I welcome the opportunity to work with clients to create meaningful and unique pieces. Each commission begins with an in-depth consultation where I learn about your vision, preferences, and desired outcome for the project.
The process is collaborative, with regular updates and feedback sessions to ensure the final piece resonates with the intended meaning. I take great pride in infusing each work with cultural significance, and I strive to bring forward a narrative that speaks to both the personal and collective experiences of the audience. Depending on the complexity and scale, commissions typically take 4 to 12 weeks to complete.
My creative process is intuitive, guided by both ancestral presence and the material I am working with. I begin each project by reflecting on the themes I want to explore—be it cultural memory, identity, or the quiet resilience of everyday life. Once the theme is identified, I engage with the materials in a meditative way, allowing them to guide the form and structure of the piece. The textures and physicality of the materials, whether wood, clay, or canvas, play an integral role in shaping the final work.
For me, the process is not just about making; it’s about listening—both to the material and to the spirit of the culture I’m representing. The pieces often evolve organically, with a certain freedom that allows the art to unfold in unexpected ways. This process of discovery is deeply fulfilling, as it not only allows me to honor tradition but also pushes me to experiment and innovate within the boundaries of my cultural expression.
My work is regularly featured in solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally. You can view my artwork in galleries and cultural institutions across Africa and Europe, with upcoming exhibitions listed on my website and social media platforms. Additionally, I share insights into my creative process and upcoming shows through my blog, where I provide detailed descriptions and behind-the-scenes looks at each piece.
For collectors or institutions interested in viewing specific works, private viewings or consultations can be arranged upon request. I believe in creating intimate, personal connections with the audience, allowing them to experience the pieces in a space that fosters reflection and dialogue. I also provide virtual consultations for those unable to attend in person.
Cultural sensitivity is at the heart of my practice. Every piece I create is informed by my Igbo heritage and a deep respect for the traditions that have shaped my identity. I approach each project with an understanding of the importance of cultural representation and the responsibility I carry in conveying stories that honor the past while engaging with the present. This sensitivity extends to both the themes I explore and the materials I use, ensuring that each work remains rooted in authentic cultural expressions.
Additionally, I engage with elders, cultural custodians, and community members to ensure that the narratives I share are accurate and respectful. I also strive to avoid appropriating or misrepresenting cultural symbols, focusing instead on celebrating the richness and diversity of African traditions. This thoughtful approach ensures that my work remains not only visually compelling but also socially and culturally responsible.
Memory plays a central role in my creative practice. I believe that art has the power to preserve stories and moments that would otherwise be forgotten, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. Each of my works is an act of remembrance—a way to honor the lives, rituals, and traditions that have shaped my culture. I approach each piece with the intention of preserving the memory of my ancestors, while also creating new narratives that will resonate with future generations.
Memory, however, is not just about the past. It is also about the ways in which the past continues to influence our lives today. Through my work, I aim to capture the ongoing relationship between personal and collective memory, highlighting the ways in which history is carried forward through symbols, objects, and stories. In this way, my work acts as both a repository and a reflection of cultural memory.
Yes, I am open to collaborations with other artists, galleries, and cultural institutions. Collaboration provides an opportunity to expand the creative process, bringing in diverse perspectives that enrich the work. I believe that art is a collective endeavor, and I am always eager to explore new ideas and formats with fellow artists and institutions. Past collaborations have allowed me to deepen my practice and connect with wider audiences, and I look forward to future opportunities for collaborative projects.
Whether it’s working on a joint exhibition, creating a site-specific installation, or engaging in community-based projects, I am committed to fostering artistic dialogue and exchange. Collaborations are an essential part of my work, as they offer new ways of thinking and responding to the world around us.
Beyond the canvas, we are committed to community-centered creativity and cultural education. Our work extends into collaborative projects, workshops, and exhibitions that reconnect people with forgotten truths and shared heritage. Through art, we invites audiences to engage with the richness, resilience, and evolving identity of the African experience.
This space is where stories, reflections, and inspirations behind the work come to life. Here, we share more than just art—we share the journey. From in-depth explorations of African cultural narratives to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the studio, community projects, and exhibitions, this blog is a window into the heart of our practice.
Revisiting Rituals – The Intersection of Art and African Spiritual Practices IntroductionRitual is a cornerstone of African life. It structures time, connects generations, and sustains spiritual balance. For centuries, rituals have used objects, music, performance, and visual symbols to invoke ancestral presence and communicate with the divine. As a contemporary African artist, I find myself […]
Materials with Memory – The Language of Clay, Wood, and Found Objects IntroductionMaterials are not just mediums—they are storytellers. In the world of sculpture and installation art, the materials we choose hold layers of meaning, history, and identity. For me, the selection of clay, wood, and found objects is a deliberate and deeply symbolic act. […]
The Power of Cultural Memory in Art IntroductionCultural memory is more than just a recall of the past; it is the lifeblood of tradition and identity. Art has long served as a powerful tool for preserving and transmitting this memory across generations. Through sculpture, relief, and painting, artists have the ability to not only reflect […]
Ekemmiri’s creative journey bridges contemporary expression with the timeless essence of cultural memory. My sculptures and reliefs often depict figures from oral history, maritime life, and traditional rites—imbued with bold forms and tactile surfaces that speak to both past and present.
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