Nappy Hair - 2023

Chike Emembo, born in July 1979, is a multidisciplinary artist and art entrepreneur who skillfully blends traditional values with modern artistic approaches. He believes that art should extend beyond the studio, shaping how artists build relationships, manage their careers, and engage with the world, all while staying rooted in cultural heritage. Chike began his artistic journey at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, and later earned a degree in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Influenced by the Byzantine and Renaissance eras, his early works in oil centered on Christian faith-based narratives, reinterpreted through an African perspective. In 2019, Chike's exploration of new materials led him to use foam sheets to create unique collages. These works, often mixed with charcoal and oil, allow him to tackle broader social commentaries while staying true to his passion for representational art.

Chike is a well-respected figure in the Nigerian art scene. He served as the Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (FCT) and is the founder of "The Plates and Palettes Project," Abuja’s longest-running art exhibition series. His solo exhibitions, such as The Blackouts (2022) and The Contagious Gospel, reflect his continuously evolving creative vision.