The Next Generation of Nigerian Artists: Who is Carrying Forward Okeke’s Vision?
Published 15 May 2025 in The Legacy
Uche Okeke Legacy Editorial
Uche Okeke (1933–2016) was not merely a pioneer of modern Nigerian art; he was a visionary who redefined artistic education and practice through his philosophy of Natural Synthesis. By integrating indigenous African art traditions with contemporary forms, he laid a foundation for future generations to build upon. But who are the young artists today carrying forward his vision? Who are the contemporary Nigerian artists drawing from Okeke’s legacy and pushing it into new realms?
The Lasting Influence of Natural Synthesis
Natural Synthesis was Okeke’s response to the rigid Eurocentric art training he and his peers received in colonial Nigeria. It advocated a fusion of traditional African art forms, such as Uli (Igbo body and wall painting), with modern artistic techniques. This philosophy was a call for cultural reclamation and artistic independence, finding a home at the Nsukka School, where Okeke taught and mentored artists who would become influential figures themselves.
Decades later, his ideas still resonate in the works of emerging contemporary Nigerian artists who explore identity, tradition, and modernity in fresh and compelling ways.
Amarachi Okafor – Reimagining Igbo Aesthetics
Amarachi Okafor is a prominent voice in contemporary Nigerian art, creating works that celebrate Igbo heritage while addressing themes of gender, spirituality, and social transformation. Her use of traditional motifs, particularly drawn from Uli and Nsibidi (a system of symbols indigenous to southeastern Nigeria), echoes Okeke’s philosophy of blending the old with the new .
Victor Ehikhamenor – Between Modernism and Tradition
Victor Ehikhamenor’s work embodies the fusion of African tradition with global contemporary aesthetics. Much like Okeke’s approach to Natural Synthesis, he integrates traditional Benin iconography with modern abstract patterns, creating striking mixed-media pieces that speak to both history and contemporary experience. His work also engages with themes of post-colonialism, making him a natural successor to Okeke’s artistic and intellectual lineage.
Victor Ehikhamenor, March 2023, Wikimedia Commons
Peju Alatise – Innovating Beyond Borders
Primarily known as a sculptor and installation artist, Peju Alatise’s work carries the spirit of Natural Synthesis in its storytelling. Drawing from Yoruba traditions and combining them with futuristic, experimental media, she bridges past and present in a way that resonates with Okeke’s desire to ground contemporary African art in indigenous philosophies.
Chijioke Onuora – Mastering the Nsukka School Approach
A former student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Chijioke Onuora is a direct descendant of Okeke’s artistic ideology. His work in sculpture and mixed media continues the exploration of Uli and Nsibidi, and he has become a leading figure in keeping the Nsukka School’s traditions alive while innovating on them.
Marcellina Akpojotor – Textile Narratives and Historical Memory
Marcellina Akpojotor’s vibrant collage-based works embody the philosophy of synthesis. She repurposes textiles and recycled materials, crafting layered pieces that reflect Nigeria’s rich textile history while telling contemporary stories of womanhood, heritage, and resilience. Her approach aligns with Okeke’s vision of integrating indigenous practices into modern art-making
The Role of Institutions in Preserving Okeke’s Vision
Institutions play a crucial role in ensuring that Uche Okeke’s vision does not fade with time. By preserving his philosophy of Natural Synthesis, these establishments provide platforms for education, artistic development, and cultural preservation. Through archives, mentorship, and exhibitions, they continue to nurture the next generation of Nigerian artists.
The Asele Institute: A Legacy of Mentorship
Founded by Okeke in 1958, the Asele Institute has long served as a hub for artists interested in fusing tradition with innovation. Today, the institute continues to support young Nigerian artists by providing them with access to archives, mentorship, and exhibitions that encourage engagement with Okeke’s principles.
Uche Okeke, Egbenuoba, charcoal on paper, 25.7 x 20.7 cm. (10.1 x 8.1 in.), 1961
The Nsukka School: The Heartbeat of Natural Synthesis
The Fine and Applied Arts Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, remains a fertile ground for artists dedicated to expanding upon the ideas of Okeke and the Zaria Art Society. Through research, practice, and teaching, Nsukka-trained artists continue to explore the visual and conceptual possibilities of Uli and other indigenous art forms.
Why Okeke’s Legacy Matters Today
Okeke’s Natural Synthesis was not just about art—it was about reclaiming a cultural identity and redefining Nigerian modernism. In an era where global influences and digital technology are reshaping the art world, his ideas remain as relevant as ever.
• Young artists are using traditional motifs in digital media, augmented reality, and NFTs, extending the reach of Natural Synthesis into virtual spaces.
• Contemporary Nigerian artists in the diaspora are drawing from their heritage to navigate identity in a globalised world.
• Art activism—a cornerstone of Okeke’s work—remains a key focus for Nigerian artists tackling political and social issues today.
Did You Know?
Many of the younger artists continuing Okeke’s vision have also exhibited internationally, showing that his influence is not just a Nigerian phenomenon but a global one. For example, Victor Ehikhamenor’s installations have been featured at the Venice Biennale, and Peju Alatise made history as the first Nigerian woman to showcase solo at the prestigious event.
Looking Ahead at the Future of Nigerian Modernism
The next generation of Nigerian artists is building on Uche Okeke’s foundational ideas while adapting them for a fast-changing world. The fusion of traditional motifs with contemporary storytelling, technology, and activism ensures that Natural Synthesis remains a living, evolving movement rather than just a historical artifact.
As long as young artists continue to explore the depth and richness of Nigerian culture in their work, Okeke’s vision will not only endure but also flourish, inspiring even more generations to come.
