The young Black painter exploring the nuances of normality

Ekene said: “Experience defines us and reflects our interests, the way we view the world, and the things we are concerned with”

PICTURED: Artist Ekene Emeka-Maduka

EKENE EMEKA-MADUKA is a Nigerian artist who explores the nuances of normality through her painting.

She enjoys exploring and questioning the structures, systems and ways of life that we accept as normal.

Journey into art

Emeka-Maduka started making art at a young age, which is unsurprising given she is the daughter of an interior designer and an architect.

At secondary school, she took her first classes, and her art teacher became a mentor to her. 

“I consider living in Nigeria as well as engaging with my surroundings to be a huge influence.

“There are stories to tell and our culture is truly rich though unfortunately, my people’s history and culture is something I’m still not well versed in.”

Recently, she was given her first solo show, Walk Back Home.

She says of the experience: “I was super excited. I was in shock.”

However, for her, the achievement does not just belong to her.

“Community and having good people around me has been a huge help. My dear friend who is also an artist, was there through it all; looking for spaces and helping with installing work. 

“It was truly a humbling experience to have my community support me.”

Her artwork is a reflection of Emeka-Maduka’s history and origins.

“My Nigerian heritage is very apparent in the work I make.

“Wherever there’s an open-endedness to the work, my upbringing and background is also evident.”

She credits her homeland with the most important, pivotal experiences of her life.

“That will always be home regardless, and will always be the starting point for my references.”

Artists are often coy when you ask about their future plans. But Emeka-Maduka is unafraid of life’s uncertainty.

“I love this question. Life isn’t constant. What I can say is, with time, exposure, experience and learning my work will continue to evolve to reflect what I feel and what feels right to address when it feels right.

“When the work is rich and has well thought out intentions, it will make its way to the places it will.”

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