Nku Di Na Mba - Uche Okeke and Modern Nigerian Art
Edited by Paul Chike Dike & Patricia Oyelola
A Publication of the National Gallery of Art
2003
Nku Di Na Mba: Uche Okeke and Modern Nigerian Art is a major scholarly tribute to the life, work, and enduring influence of Uche Okeke, one of the most important figures in the development of modern Nigerian art. Edited by Paul Chike Dike and Patricia Oyelola, this substantial volume brings together essays, critical reflections, archival materials, photographs, and reproductions of artworks that document Okeke's extraordinary contribution as an artist, educator, cultural advocate, and theorist.
Published by the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria in 2003, the book serves both as a scholarly reference and a celebration of Okeke's role in shaping Nigerian modernism. It traces his journey from his pioneering years with the Zaria Art Society and the development of Natural Synthesis to his influential work at Nsukka and the establishment of the Asele Institute in Nimo.
Published by National Gallery of Art, Nigeria
Language: English
368 Pages
Illustrated (including colour plates)
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Overview of Nku Di Na Mba: Uche Okeke and Modern Nigerian Art
This important publication explores the artistic, intellectual, and cultural legacy of Uche Okeke within the broader history of Nigerian modernism. Through contributions from scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners, the volume examines Okeke's impact on artistic education, contemporary African art, and the preservation of indigenous visual traditions.
The publication highlights Okeke's commitment to developing an authentically Nigerian artistic language rooted in indigenous traditions while engaging with modern artistic practices. Particular attention is given to his philosophy of Natural Synthesis, his influence on the Nsukka School, and his role in advancing the study and preservation of Igbo visual culture.
Key themes include:
• Uche Okeke's contribution to modern Nigerian art.
• The development and influence of the Natural Synthesis philosophy.
• The history and legacy of the Zaria Art Society.
• Indigenous aesthetics and contemporary artistic practice.
• Art education and the emergence of the Nsukka School.
• Cultural preservation, artistic innovation, and national identity.
Contents & Highlights
Combining scholarly essays with rich visual documentation, the publication offers one of the most comprehensive studies of Uche Okeke's career and artistic legacy. It serves as both an academic resource and an archival record of one of Africa's most influential modern artists.
The book includes:
• Critical essays by leading scholars and art historians.
• Reproductions of artworks spanning Okeke's career.
• Archival photographs and historical documentation.
• Personal reflections and tributes from colleagues and contemporaries.
• Analysis of Okeke's influence on modern Nigerian and African art.
• Documentation of his contributions as an artist, educator, and cultural institution builder.
