Published 24 October 2024 in The Work
Uche Okeke Legacy Editorial
Storytelling is central to African culture, serving as a bridge between generations, a keeper of traditions, and a way to navigate societal values. For Uche Okeke, storytelling was not only a cultural inheritance but also a profound source of artistic inspiration. Through his works, Okeke brought Igbo folklore and mythology to life, blending them seamlessly with his modernist aesthetic.
Uzummuo’s Smithy (Igbo Folk Tale), Pen and Ink on Paper, 170mm x 160mm, Zaria, 1959, Uche Okeke Legacy Collection
The Role of Folklore in Igbo Culture
In Igbo tradition, folklore is a living entity. It encompasses proverbs, fables, songs, and rituals that convey wisdom and preserve the community's moral framework. Many of these stories are steeped in symbolism and allegory, exploring themes of morality, spirituality, and human relationships. Okeke understood that these narratives were more than entertainment; they were repositories of identity.
Okeke’s Mythological Inspirations
Okeke’s art frequently drew on Igbo mythology, incorporating its deities, spirits, and tales into his work. He believed that these stories were a vital connection to the past and an invaluable tool for navigating the future.
The Spirit World (Ana Mmuo), 1961
In Igbo cosmology, the spirit world (Ana Mmuo) is an integral part of existence. Okeke’s painting Ana Mmuo visualizes this realm with fluid Uli patterns, depicting spirits and ancestors as ethereal beings. The artwork captures the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical worlds, emphasizing continuity between life and death.
Greedy Mbe, 1958
Greedy Mbe depicts the character Mbe (the tortoise), a trickster figure in Igbo mythology, known for its cleverness and cunning. In this piece, Okeke explores the moral lessons embedded in the tortoise’s actions, with exaggerated features that capture the essence of this traditional character. The piece uses Uli patterns to enhance the storytelling aspect, blending humour with social commentary.
Okuku's Chicken, 1958
Okuku's Chicken is another significant piece by Okeke, illustrating Igbo mythology and the dynamics between the human world and the spiritual realm. The title references the fable of Okuku, the rooster, known for his boastfulness and eventual comeuppance. Okeke uses his characteristic Uli style to convey the spiritual and moral undertones of the story, with abstract forms and symbols that reflect the larger themes of fate, pride, and humility.
During his tenure at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Okeke often visited rural communities to learn from traditional storytellers. On one such visit, an elder remarked, “Your paintings tell stories even without words.” This comment stayed with Okeke, reaffirming his belief that art could transcend language and speak directly to the soul.
Uche Okeke, Okuku’s Chicken, Ink on Paper, 1958, Uche Okeke Legacy Collection
Storytelling Techniques in Okeke’s Art
Symbolism: Every line, curve, and pattern in Okeke’s work held meaning, often rooted in Igbo tales.
Narrative Flow: His compositions mimicked the rhythm of oral storytelling, guiding the viewer’s eye through the tale.
Modern Fusion: Okeke adapted traditional stories to reflect contemporary issues, ensuring their relevance.
Did You Know?
In many Igbo villages, Uli designs used in storytelling were drawn on the ground or walls to accompany oral tales. Okeke adapted this practice by bringing these designs to paper and canvas, immortalizing them in his art.
Entrance to a compound, Agukwu Nri, Anambra, photographed by Northcote Thomas, Wikimedia Commons
Impact on Contemporary Art
Okeke’s storytelling approach has influenced countless artists, particularly those associated with the Nsukka School. By anchoring their work in indigenous narratives, these artists continue to explore African identity in an evolving global context.
Incorporating Okeke’s Poem: Mamiwata
Beyond visual art, Okeke expressed his storytelling prowess through poetry. His poem "Mamiwata" delves into the myth of the water spirit, a prevalent figure in African folklore.
Mamiwata, queen of the deep,
Your allure, a promise, a perilous keep.
With eyes that mirror the ocean's hue,
You beckon the faithful, the wandering few.
This excerpt reflects Okeke's ability to weave traditional narratives into his art, whether on canvas or through the written word.
MAMIWATA (Mamiwata Suite), Pen and Ink, 228mm x 300mm, Minneapolis, 1981, Uche Okeke Legacy Collection
Conclusion
Storytelling in Uche Okeke’s art goes beyond mere representation; it is an immersive experience. His ability to reimagine Igbo folklore and mythology within a modern framework creates a dialogue between the past and the present, inviting us all to rediscover the timeless power of stories.
