‘We artists need environments that understand, properly value what we do’

It has been eight years of practice as a full-time artist for Ikechukwu Ezeigwe. But it is not the number of years in practice that matters for the young artist, but the difference and impact he wants to make with his art.

Today, Ikechukwu, who graduated as the Best Painting Student of the Fine Art Department, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, is a master of Zoomorphic or Anthropomorphic Art; which he described as hybrid of animal and human forms to create art.

How do you describe yourself and your art?

I am an extremely optimistic person, probably because of the kind of upbringing I had. I was exposed to the teachings of faith early through the church. In retrospect, that is one of the best legacies my father gave my siblings and I. He equipped and exposed us to the right teachings to face life.

However, my art has evolved through the years since starting as a full-time artist. My art is my way of addressing global issues in a unique, captivating, interesting and creative way. I have been able to carve a niche for myself in the art space, and that is exciting.

How long have you been a studio artist and how has the journey been till date?

I have practiced as a full-time studio artist for eight years now. It is the most adventurous experience of my life. Thank God for the teachings I had growing up. They infused a “never give up” mentality in me as well as an ‘I can do’ spirit. So, through the thick and thin, I kept going. Altogether, I will say I have had an exciting time of freedom of thought, of expression and the joy of earning reasonably from that liberty of thought and expression.

What technique distinguishes your works and how were you able to develop it?

My art is recognized by a lot of people. It is captivating and is known as Zoomorphic or Anthropomorphic Art. It is simply the hybrid of animal and human forms to create art. It came about through experimentation. I am happy that I persevered at experimenting, developing and following a different form of artistic expression.

What inspires you art and who are your mentors?

I get my inspiration through reading, watching movies and by traveling and visiting places. I have worked on various themes such as politics and leadership, racism and human behavior. Currently, I am working on wildlife conservation and endangered animals. It is an exciting theme that I see myself working on for a long time. But my mentors are people who have helped me to grow since I began full-time practice; they are people who inspire me to keep improving and people whose works challenge me to do better because of their tenacity and excellence. I have a number of them locally and internationally. Locally, I have people like: Rahman Akar of Signature Gallery, Femi Williams of Iwalewa Gallery, and Abiodun Olaku of Universal Studios of Art.

Can you recall your exhibitions across the years and upcoming ones?

The last time we met was at my second solo exhibition at Alexis Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos in 2024. It was titled ‘Monkey Business’. I had my first solo exhibition in 2020 at Omenka Gallery Ikoyi, Lagos titled ‘Beast Of No Nation’. But I have had about 10 group exhibitions in all and my next exhibition is brewing.

Do you have partnerships with galleries?

I work with few galleries currently. I know a bit of what they go through. I try to maintain a cordial relationship with them because I learnt the best thing you can do for yourself as an artist is to build quality relationships. Whether with gallery owners or independent collectors, such relationships will serve you long term.

Why are some young artists inpatient at sacrificing time to learn, get mentorship and bid for their time?

I used to have that attitude immediately I left school and started full-time practice. But with time, I have learnt to take things slow because art is a life-time career. I am not going to retire from it. So, when you have that kind of attitude, you will not be in a rush. Everything you want to accomplish, everything you want to see, will happen with time.

How are young artists coping with the harsh economic realities of today?

Are you also considering leaving the country for greener pastures like some of your folks?

I used to think I should just continue my studio practice here in Nigeria and visit other countries for vacation or artist residencies because I really love this country. But I am reconsidering that thought. I am seriously reconsidering it. It is painful. We artists need environments that understand and properly value what we do. Man is not growing younger.

Where do you see your art in five years time?

I see myself partnering with some of the biggest stakeholders in the wildlife conservation space both nationally and internationally such as the National Geographic and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).