Harmonising Horizons: Uche Okeke's Holistic Impact on Art Education and Mentorship

Published 08 February 2024 in The Man

Uche Okeke Legacy Editorial

Uche Okeke, a Nigerian artist, educator, and cultural advocate, reshaped the art world with his groundbreaking work. His innovative approach not only revolutionised artistic expression and education, but opened global eyes to Africa and the immense talent. This post explores how Uche Okeke influenced art education and mentorship across the continent.

Christopher Uchefuna Okeke, Master Artist at work

The Birth of a Visionary Educator

Born in Nimo, Nigeria, in 1933, Uche Okeke was deeply influenced by his Igbo heritage. His early exposure to indigenous art forms like Igbo Uliism ignited his passion for preserving African artistic heritage, encouraging further study in the language, patterns and symbolism to better understand his roots. 

In 1957 he began studying Fine Art at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology (NCAST), now Ahmadu Bello University, and founded the Zaria Art Society alongside Bruce Onobrakpeya, Dema Nwoko, Yusuf Grillo, Simon Okeke, Jimoh Akolo, Oseloka Osadebe, Ogbonaya Nwagbara and Emmanuel Odita a year later. The Zaria Art Society, also known as the Zaria Rebels, was created as a response to the atmosphere and changes in society. Having each explored their roots and being aware of the all-encompassing nature of Western art teachings, the Zaria Rebels nimbly merged the Western methods of their educators with the fluid and expressive art forms of their ancestors, emerging with an entirely new form - ‘Natural Synthesis’. 

Group photograph of the Zaria Art Society

The Zaria Art Society was disbanded in 1962, and Okeke went to West Germany to study stained glass and mosaic at the Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt in Munich under Karl Mayer.

Founding the Nsukka Art School

After returning to Nigeria soon after the end of the Biafran civil war, Okeke became head of the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During this 15-year period, he co-founded Nsukka Art School with fellow artist Chike Aniakor, an institution aimed at addressing societal shifts through exploration and experimentation with traditional methods and cultural memory. 

SHRINE MURAL- MGBO, Uche Okeke, 1973, Linocut

This institution became a hub for creativity, nurturing artists who challenged norms and explored diverse expressions, and it was Okeke's leadership and dedication to indigenous art that formed the school's unique identity. 

Promoting Indigenous Aesthetics

Central to Okeke's teaching was a deep respect for indigenous aesthetics. He encouraged students to draw from African art forms like Igbo Uli and Igbo and Nsibidi sculpture, fostering cultural pride and knowledge of their ancestral roots. 

IGERI, Uche Okeke, 1974, Ink on Paper

Through workshops and exhibitions, especially those at Nsukka Art School, Okeke's infusion of Indigenous Aesthetics, Uliism and the Natural Synthesis philosophy revitalised ancient traditions with modern context, influencing notable exhibitions like the 1997 showcase 'New Traditions from Nigeria: Seven Artists of the Nsukka Group' Curated by anthropologist Professor Simon Ottenberg at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, the exhibition featured influential artists, including Uche Okeke, El Anatsui, Tayo Adenaike, Obiora Udechukwu, Chike Aniakor, Ada Udechukwu, and Olu Oguibe.

LARGE OIL 2, Tayo Adenaike, Oil on Wood. 

Mentorship and Guidance

Uche Okeke's legacy as a mentor is deeply rooted in his commitment to nurturing the next generation of African artists. From his time with Zaria through to Nsukka and beyond, Okeke played a pivotal role in shaping art education. 

Mentoring from the philosophy of Natural Synthesis, Okeke emphasized the development of a holistic artistic identity, encompassing not only technical proficiency but a deep understanding of cultural heritage and social responsibility. Through this approach, he aimed to empower artists to express themselves authentically and contribute meaningfully to the global art discourse, going beyond traditional artistic guidance but incorporating a broader vision with art as a catalyst for societal transformation.

Book of Drawings, Uche Okeke, 1961, exhibited at Brooklyn Museums’ Africa Fashion, 2023

Uche Okeke's mentorship extended beyond Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in fostering connections between African artists and the international art community. His global perspective left a lasting impact, evident in the number of successful artists who credit him for shaping their artistic development and social consciousness. Okeke's dedication to nurturing a generation adept at navigating tradition and modernity cements his legacy as a transformative figure in African art education and mentorship.

Uche Okeke’s Legacy reverberates well beyond Africa’s borders. His impact and contributions to art education, mentorship and the revolution of indigenous art forms have paved the way for a new era of creativity and cultural resurgence, and he continues to inspire artists, educators, and cultural advocates worldwide.