Chike Emembo

Once Bitten Twice Shy - 2021

Name: Once Bitten Twice Shy - 2021
Brand: Chike Emembo
Price: 2800.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Mixed media on canvas | 90 x 120 cm (36 x 48 inches)

From Chike, the Artist :

"A play on words with the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve… The couple has eaten the fruit—definitely not an apple (I made sure of that). In that moment, innocence is lost, and shame takes over. Eve recoils, truly deceived, shocked by the weight of her actions.

In the equation of good and evil, I believe humanity will always arrive at error without a constant—an 'absolute truth.' Twice shy highlights how this recklessness is passed down through generations. Though consciousness is now ingrained in all offspring, it is not enough to undo the damage.

The red background symbolizes blood and death. The man looks up, but his fate is sealed—his act was not deception, but deliberate rebellion. No help will come through him. Instead, hope lies in the woman—genuinely deceived yet capable of redemption. Her posture reflects humility, for it is through her seed—one untouched by man—that this error will be undone. The white stripe represents innocence fading, while the cracks signify the introduction of entropy and the certainty of death—unless something changes."

From the Sarah, the Curator:

"I appreciate Chike’s storytelling and layered interpretation. His ability to weave symbolism into composition and color makes this piece both visually striking and conceptually rich. The contrast between Adam and Eve is powerfully rendered, her posture reflecting shock and realization, while he looks upward, resigned to his choice. The red background, fractured textures, and fading white stripe all speak to a world transformed by consequence. Yet within this, Chike leaves room for reflection, where does hope truly lie?

Shipping:

One-of-a-Kind Artwork: This exclusive piece ships securely in a tube from Nigeria via an international courier with an online tracking option.
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Delivery Time: Standard international shipping takes approximately 12 business days, following receipt of the National Gallery approval for shipping (processed within 24 hours).

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€2.800,00

About the artist

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.

Once Bitten Twice Shy - 2021

€2.800,00