Uchechi Gift Udochukwu is a Nigerian artist whose work is a profound dialogue between culture, emotion, and artistic spontaneity. Udochukwu’s art is rooted in rich African heritage yet deeply influenced by modern textures and abstract expressions. Her art embodies fluidity, movement, and intuition.
Her journey into the art world is as compelling as her work, one marked by self-discovery and an unrelenting passion for creative expression. From sketching as a child without fully realizing its significance to establishing herself as a professional artist navigating Nigeria’s dynamic yet challenging art industry, Udochukwu has carved a niche for herself. In this conversation, she delves into her inspirations, the unique elements that define her artistic style, and the hurdles she has overcome as a female artist in Nigeria. She also shares her thoughts on the role of art in shaping society, the global rise of Nigerian creatives, and what the future holds for her evolving artistry.
Uchechi Udochukwu: Finding Art as a Creative Escape
FAB: Can you tell us about your background and how you first discovered your passion for art?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Well, I come from a family of four. Blessed with supporting parents. Actually, my dad used to be a traditional father who solely believed in education taught in schools. Growing up, I was sometimes aloof about things around me but found solace in the art of writing and making sketches. Soon, I discovered that I had a love for art that seemed to put me at ease with everything.
FAB: What inspires your work?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I am most of the time inspired by cultural influences: African art patterns, abstract expressionist gestures and spontaneity. I am drawn to emotions and intuition and the energy of movement (dance and music). I am also inspired by textures and materials cutting across a wide range of natural textures (wood grains, stones, fibreglass and so on).
FAB: Do you remember the first artwork you ever created? What was it, and how did it make you feel?
Uchechi Udochukwu: No, I don’t remember my first artwork. It was a sketch, but I don’t remember the details. I was making art even without recognising it at the time. Notwithstanding, I do remember my first painting. It had a Music Maker theme. It was a painting of a man playing the flute from the eastern part of Nigeria, Igbo.
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FAB: Who are your biggest influences (whether in the art world or outside of it)?
Uchechi Udochukwu: My journey influences me. Never miss a beat in fashion, arts, beauty, and lifestyle, follow FAB L’Style Magazine.
FAB: How would you describe your artistic style, and what makes it unique?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I will describe my artistic style as “ebb and flow of liquid harmony”. The uniqueness of my artistic style is owed to my versatility in terms of themes and materials.
FAB: What’s your creative process like, from the moment an idea comes to you to the final piece?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Sometimes my creativity begins with an idea, and other times it doesn’t. When I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve, I first go through the conception stage, then prepare thoroughly for the journey ahead, working through it until completion. But there are times when I hit a blank, and that’s when I allow my materials—beyond just the colours—to guide the direction and definition of the piece.
FAB: What materials and techniques do you enjoy working with the most?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I enjoy working with acrylic and metallic colours together with unique and unconventional materials to create a skilfully executed artwork.
FAB: Is there a specific theme or message that runs through your work?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I am quite versatile with my themes, but I get tugged to music, lifestyle, and harvest, as well as love-related themes. That’s to mention a few.
FAB: As a female artist in Nigeria, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Uchechi Udochukwu: As a female artist in Nigeria, there are a great deal of challenges that I have faced over the course of my practice. Notwithstanding, topping the list will have to be sexual harassment and exploitation. Over the years I have had to lose a good number of clients to this vice. I am not one to run in the face of difficulties, but at times when I have played all the cards in my marketing arsenal and still see it for what it is, I move on. I always believe that there is a buyer for every piece. One who resonates enough with the piece to purchase it without adding bogus clauses.
FAB: What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
Uchechi Udochukwu: The most rewarding moments of my career will have to be my personal growth and transformation. The process of self-discovery through art – whether it’s finding my voice, overcoming creative blocks, or exploring new themes.
FAB: Have you ever doubted your abilities as an artist? If so, how did you push through those moments?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Yes, I have at different points doubted my abilities as an artist. However, I learnt to embrace the process, be kind to myself, reflect on past successes and, most especially, maintain a growth mindset.
FAB: How do you confront the conflict between creating for yourself and meeting market or audience demands?
Uchechi Udochukwu: As an economist, I clearly understand the power of demand and supply in every business, no matter the sector or industry. This keeps me in check in my production. But there is the risk of losing oneself in the process in the art world. Diversifying artistic output has been at the top of my list of creating balance. Creating different styles of art has proven to be both personal and market-oriented. This gives room for varieties for the market/audience.
FAB: How would you describe the state of the art scene in Nigeria, particularly for women?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Women in Nigeria are increasingly making waves in various artistic fields such as painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Leading female artists in Nigeria often explore themes related to identity, gender, heritage and African history, with emphasis on addressing societal issues such as gender equality, body image and female empowerment. However, despite these successes, women in Nigeria still encounter barriers, including gender-biased discrimination, limited access to funding and exhibition opportunities and under-representation of women in galleries, exhibitions and major art auctions.
FAB: What changes would you like to see in how female artists are supported and recognized in Nigeria?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I would like to see a steady increase in representation and visibility of female artists, more mentorship and networking opportunities, community engagement and awareness, and not forgetting a very pertinent point, which is combating stereotypes and bias.
FAB: What role do you think art plays in addressing societal issues, especially those affecting women?
Uchechi Udochukwu: The role art plays in societal issues, especially those pertaining to women, can not be left unnoticed. Art creates a safe space for dialogue in the midst of all the prejudice. It also promotes feminist ideas, which allow females to bloom in all seasons. It challenges the typical traditional gender roles and shows the complexities of women’s identities.
FAB: How do you see Nigerian art contributing to global culture?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Nigerian art is like a lamp placed on a hill, as it transcends to celebrate African heritage in different lights. Nigerian art is increasingly gaining traction in international art markets, with works by Nigerian artists commanding high prices in auctions. This growing presence is not only a testament to the global demand for African art but also highlights the important role of Nigerian artists in shaping contemporary art trends.
FAB: Where do you see your art taking you in the next five years?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Learning never ends. Having developed a growth mindset and still sharpening it, I am open to growing in several ramifications. With this in mind, in the next 5 years, I see myself at a point where I have learnt a whole lot (in art and life in general) in contrast to the date I wrote this article.
FAB: What advice would you give to aspiring female artists who are just starting out?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I will encourage emerging female artists to find their uniqueness. Dedicate time to learning and improving their skills. A plant needs to be watered to grow, just as gold needs to go into the furnace to ascend to a higher value.
FAB: How do you hope your work impacts future generations of female creatives?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I hope that my work will inspire future generations to embrace their own creativity, challenge societal norms, and fearlessly pursue their artistic careers unapologetically.
FAB: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Uchechi Udochukwu: I would like a collaboration with two artists on two separate works. Firstly, Gbolade Paul Omidiran, a Nigerian artist, on an African-themed artwork depicting the cultural intricacies. Secondly, Katharine Grosse, a German artist, creates traditional paintings that extend beyond the canvas and encompass architectural spaces and natural settings.
FAB: What’s your favourite piece you’ve ever created, and why?
Uchechi Udochukwu: My favourite creation will have to be “The Cream of The Crop”. Why do I love it? Simple, it speaks to me in a special way.
FAB: If you weren’t an artist, what other career path might you have chosen?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Honestly, I can’t tell what other career path I would have chosen had I not chosen art.
FAB: How do you unwind or recharge when you’re not creating art?
Uchechi Udochukwu: When I’m not making art, I unwind or recharge by listening to music and audiobooks and practising other creative outlets, to mention a few.
FAB: Do you have any rituals or habits that fuel your creativity?
Uchechi Udochukwu: One of the habits that fuels my creativity is surrounding myself with inspirations.
FAB: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Uchechi Udochukwu: Well, I am not exactly a spontaneous person.
