Nkem Okwechime employs a unique style of screen-printing, experimenting with ceramic and fabric surfaces. Drawing inspiration from a mix of expressions, from the avant-garde strokes of the DADA Movement to the profound influence of his own grandfather and Ibo lineage, Nkem's "Ikenga" series is a personal story of contrasts.
Nkem Okwechime emerges as a distinctive voice in contemporary printmaking.
Born in vibrant South London and raised in Scotland, Nkem's artistic journey commenced at the age of 18, when he first delved into the intricate world of printmaking. This passion bloomed into a formal education at the University of Glasgow School of Arts. There, he honed his craft, majoring in painting and printmaking.
A testament to his exceptional talent, Nkem was honored with the Glasgow Print Studio Prize Award, affirming his trajectory as a contemporary printmaker to note. His influence extends beyond his own studio, as he imparts knowledge through workshops held at the Dundee Contemporary Arts Gallery and the Glasgow Print Studio.
Nkem's body of work, the captivating "Ikenga" series, arose from a deep exploration of masks and icons rooted in his Ibo heritage. It stands as a testament to his commitment to narrating the tales of his diaspora and bi-racial lineage. For the artists, it is an obligation to present facets of his Nigerian heritage to Western audiences, mirroring the saturation of Western culture worldwide.
Drawing inspiration from a mix of expressions, spanning from the avant-garde strokes of the DADA Movement to the profound influence of his own grandfather and Ibo lineage, Nkem's "Ikenga" series is a personal story of contrasts. Here, the horned Igbo deity, Ikenga, symbolizing masculinity, accomplishment, and authority, dons a black puffer jacket, an emblem of everyday life in the UK.
Within this breath, he introduces "Okolo," an homage to his great grandfather, the pioneering figure of the Okwechime clan in their ancestral Nigerian homeland. "Okolo" manifests as abstract shapes, woven into the fabric of the Ikenga series, an ode to lineage and legacy.
Okwechime’s employs a unique style of screen-printing, experimenting with surfaces such as ceramics and fabrics.