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afro style mag | Artists of the Diaspora Part One
Let me ask you a question… How can fashion survive without art? Art is the secret cousin of fashion or should I say the foundation of fashion. We embrace the arts because it encompasses the rich histories and cultures of the African Diaspora. In this article you will be introduced to two phenomenal artists of the Diaspora. You will get their view points, their aspirations and a taste of their work as AfroStyle Magazine takes you through the first series of Artists of the Diaspora.
Enjoy as we venture into artwork inspired by the beautiful country of Nigeria featuring Mrs. Chiebonam Ezekwueche. She takes us back to her roots via her Uli inspired series. Then we will later travel to the gorgeous country of Ghana featuring Mr. Eugene Ankomah a London based young budding artist with an eye for art, pierces deep rooted issues in common day society. Brace yourself for a very inspiring experience into the Diaspora...
Artist Mrs.
Chi Ezekwueche, a grounded versatile rarity, was born in Northern Nigeria West Africa in 1948. At the age of 6, her parents felt the need for her and her siblings to absorb the art and cultures of the Igbos (one of the three major tribes in Nigeria) so they relocated to the small town of Adazi-enu in Eastern Nigeria. Her interest in the
arts clearly began at age 9 when she painted compound walls with her cousins. These walls were beautifully decorated and painted using Uli designs. Uli is the traditional art of the Igbo women of South Eastern Nigeria. It has rhythm, balance, and repetition involving a variety of curve-linear shapes, motifs while utilizing earthy colors. Little did Chi know that this Uli design seen on the mud walls of her village would be her first introduction to art. To Chi, art never left her. Her continued desire and passion for the arts inspired her to pursue a formal education in the arts as a second degree. She enrolled in Wesleyan College in Macon, GA and graduated with bachelor of art in studio arts in 1996. Even though her curriculum was mainly comprised of European art history, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and studied African art, history, and cultures on her own.
In her own words: “Art is so basic to our existence and connects us as human beings.” With those views Chi’s major art themes are shaped by concepts and ideas such as her Uli series, Music and Dance, Landscape, Love and Peace. Her current works of art include print-making as well as photography, and jewelry design. Chi’s favorite photographic art pieces include her portrait called “Mother and Child” from the Gambia taken in 2008 and paintings from the Uli-inspired series. Some of her biggest influences in art include her love for Picasso. To her Picasso was so secured in himself that he appreciated other cultures and their arts. She loves Monet for his use of colors and Elizabeth Catlett for her use of form. Chi believes people should find an art form that speaks to them. She is convinced that art connects her to God, the people around her and her surroundings.
Chi is involved in a series of art shows and her works can be found in several public and private collections including the Museum of Arts and Sciences, Tubman African American Museum, and Chattahoochee Valley Arts Museum. She speaks and conducts workshops in area schools, colleges, churches. She is the recipient of several awards recognizing her role in the community including the “Lifetime Achievement Tubman Museum Award, “The Macon Arts Cultural Award, and “The Woman of Valor Award” to name a few. She has also appeared on several television shows, programs and documentaries promoting personal growth through the arts and culture. She and her husband founded the Dr. Christian and Chi Ezekwueche Foundation to promote education in Arts and Medicine. She is blessed with five successful children, a wonderful son-in law, three grandchildren and the best supportive husband.
