Religion and Mythology in Uche Okeke’s Art
Published 24 April 2025 in The Work
Uche Okeke Legacy Editorial
Uche Okeke, one of the pioneers of Nigerian modernism, was deeply influenced by Igbo spirituality and mythology. His work, often described as a bridge between past and present, fused ancient myths, religious beliefs, and contemporary artistic expression. Through his practice, Okeke revitalised traditional Igbo visual languages, particularly Uli art, incorporating their symbolic potency into a modern narrative. This artistic synthesis did more than preserve cultural memory; it redefined Nigerian identity in the post-colonial era.
Mythology and Spirituality in Igbo Tradition
The Igbo people of Nigeria have a rich mythological tradition that explains creation, morality, and human existence through storytelling, rituals, and symbolic art forms. Central to Igbo cosmology is the belief in Chukwu, the supreme god, and various lesser deities who govern different aspects of life. The connection between the physical and spiritual worlds is maintained through ancestors, divination, and sacred symbols. Uli, the traditional Igbo body and mural painting technique, was historically used to decorate shrines and express spiritual themes. It is this sacred and visual language that Okeke adopted and reimagined.
The Influence of Igbo Mythology in Okeke’s Work
One of Okeke’s most profound contributions to African art was his ability to transform ancient Igbo stories into dynamic, contemporary visual compositions. His drawings and paintings frequently reference mythological beings, spiritual figures, and epic folklore. His piece, "Ana and Her People," for instance, reinterprets the Igbo Earth goddess Ana (Ala), a deity associated with fertility, morality, and the land. Through intricate line work and abstraction, Okeke conveys Ana’s omnipresence in Igbo life, underscoring the interconnectedness of people, nature, and the divine.
Another recurring theme in his work is the representation of ancestors as guiding spirits. In Igbo belief, ancestors mediate between the living and the gods, maintaining harmony within the community. Okeke’s use of elongated figures and flowing lines in works such as "Spiritual Dancers" mirrors the ethereal nature of ancestral beings, emphasising their role in shaping personal and communal destinies.
Uche Okeke, Ana and Her People, Pen and Ink, 6.10 x 8.1 inches, Minneapolis, 1981
Natural Synthesis: A Confluence of Tradition and Modernity
Okeke’s artistic philosophy, Natural Synthesis, sought to blend indigenous art forms with modern techniques. He was a leading member of the Zaria Art Society, a group of artists who, in the late 1950s, challenged the dominance of European artistic conventions in Nigeria. His approach was to look inward—to the traditions, beliefs, and visual heritage of his ancestors—and merge them with modernist techniques. By doing so, he ensured that Igbo spirituality and mythology remained relevant in contemporary African art.
This synthesis is evident in his use of abstraction and minimalism. Inspired by Uli designs, Okeke’s compositions often feature bold, curvilinear forms that suggest movement and transformation, much like the myths they depict. His ability to convey sacred stories through minimal yet expressive lines captures the essence of oral storytelling in visual form.
Religion, Rituals, and Sacred Spaces in Okeke’s Art
Religion played a crucial role in Okeke’s work, not just as a subject but as a framework for understanding human existence. Many of his pieces reference Igbo ritual practices, such as masquerades, initiation ceremonies, and divination. The Igbo masquerade tradition, which involves masked dancers embodying spirits or ancestors, finds its way into Okeke’s figures, where human and supernatural elements merge seamlessly.
His depiction of shrine aesthetics also highlights the sacred spaces where mythology and religion converge. In pieces like "Igbo Cosmology," he integrates elements of shrine murals, filled with sacred symbols that serve both decorative and spiritual functions. His works become visual prayers, honouring the myths and deities that shape Igbo consciousness.
Did You Know?
Uche Okeke was instrumental in reviving interest in Uli art, a practice once in decline due to colonial influence. He encouraged female artists, who traditionally practiced Uli, to continue their work, thus preserving a critical aspect of Igbo visual culture.
Ego Uche-Okeke, (Pairded Maiden) Agbogbo Mmanwu, Linoprint, 10.2 x 10.3 inches, 1972
The Lasting Legacy of Okeke’s Spiritual Vision
Okeke’s exploration of religion and mythology left an indelible mark on Nigerian art. His ability to translate spiritual narratives into visual masterpieces not only celebrated Igbo heritage but also provided future generations of artists with a template for integrating tradition into modern artistic expressions.
His legacy continues through institutions such as the Asele Institute, which he founded as a centre for research and artistic practice. Today, scholars and artists draw inspiration from his work, ensuring that the myths and religious traditions he so passionately depicted remain alive in contemporary discourse.
Uche Okeke's visionary approach affirmed that mythology and religion are not relics of the past but evolving narratives that continue to shape identity, culture, and artistic innovation.
