For artists to become more empowered, views need to shift – Urunwa Ikegwuonu

Chidimma Urunwa Ikegwuonu runs an art studio in Abuja. The Anambra State- born artist said imagery creation during her childhood, teenage inquisitiveness, creative environment, travel and academic attainment channeled her into her artistic journey. Art has always been part of her life as a way of expressing the ideas she has about the social, political, cultural and gender issue in her environment/country. The alumnus of the University of Benin, Edo State, spoke on how art can help in advocacy, as well as the fight against global warming. 

You are among the artists that had to fight to study and practise what they love doing, why do you think this should not continue?

I didn’t fight to study art. It was a decision that was not accepted by my father then. He wanted me to go for a professional course, but all I ever wanted to do was art. Although I had the support of my mum, I made a strong decision. 

I believe people should go for what they are passionate about. To me, passion comes first, so parents should encourage and direct their kids. When it comes to art, most parents don’t like it because of the way it is under appreciated in the country. But that doesn’t mean they should dissuade their wards. They should rather help and encourage them.

How have you evolved since you left school? 

I have evolved a lot – from my style to some of my views about art.

Some of your works are rooted in Nigerian cultures, what informed this decision?

I love some aspects of my culture and I want to preserve them for posterity’s sake in my paintings. Also, I grew up in a traditional setting, so it also influences me.

You have also been using some of your works as a means of activism and advocating human rights, especially as regards children and women; has it helped in ensuring the desired change in the system? 

Using my art as a means of advocacy is something I love so much. It has yielded a lot of positive impacts and responses. I now have sponsors who see future in art advocacy, and how it is a voice that can’t be harmed. My theme is mostly on women because I want a society where they don’t need to fight for freedom; it should be their right.

How can art be properly engaged in activism?

Emily Wilcox said art has a social relevance and is effective as a means of activism. Current social and environmental crises make art-based activism relevant today. There are problems with prevailing views on art, which prevent many artists from seeing themselves as agents of change. Therefore, some established views on art need to shift for artists to become more empowered. 

Ways of utilising art for activism are many. Activism is often approached with attitudes that are problematic and ineffective. An art-based approach is a positive alternative because it stimulates empathy. Empathy is necessary to achieve social and environmental justice. To effect real change, activists need to work through cultural means. Art is a good tool for this because it is cultural production. 

Globalization makes culture-based activism even more pertinent today. Included are exclusive interviews with artists and activists from all over the world.

You have also been using non-biodegradable materials in some of your works. Considering the dangers of global warming, why should artists consider this?

I started working with straws in 2019 during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. Some cases of global warming are manmade. We liter our environment with dirt that don’t decay; and this can be dangerous as some end up blocking the gutters, dams etc, which can lead to overflow. Working with this non- biodegradable is a way of recycling these materials instead of loitering them. It is something that should be encouraged in the country. It also helps to keep the environment clean.

How would you describe the acceptance of works made from non- biodegradable materials? 

When I started, it was not appreciated. I was discouraged at some point, but I never gave up. To some people, may be they passed through same thing, but it is making waves. I think it is something that should be encouraged. Many developed countries now recycle their non-biodegradable materials and use it to produce other things. 

What informed your love for flower as seen in some of your works? 

I will say my love for flower is about beauty/colour. I don’t just work with only flowers, I also use butterflies. This is a style I am working with because of its meaning and physical attributes. 

How would you describe your experience as a female artist in Nigeria? 

I nearly gave up at some point. I had to ask myself if art was gender-based. But I love the ongoing revolution. Female artists are now appreciated, even though it is still a long journey to the climax.

What do you think should be done to promote art in Nigeria? 

The government should do their part in promoting our art. There should be exhibitions, art fairs, etc. When it comes to the citizen I think it is an individual thing, but people should be open-minded toward art, attend exhibitions and art fairs. 

You have organised some solo exhibitions and attended some; do you think there should be more to exhibitions than selling artworks? 

Exhibition is not only for selling artworks but a means of promoting art. People are coming to appreciate, connect and value art. Some may not have the money to buy, but the experience of viewing and appreciating those artworks plays its role too. 

What should Nigerians expect from you? 

I am still building my brand, Urunwa Art Studio. I want to promote my culture for the world to see, so Nigerians should expect something big from me, exhibiting in top countries, opening an art school in Nigeria and advocating with my art.