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For this week’s ART WITH DEEDS segment, we spotlight Nigerian artist Okereke (b. 2000), whose practice is deeply tied to memory, human connection, and the preservation of culture. Born and raised in Owerri, Imo State, in the vibrant yet humble neighborhood of Egbu, Okereke’s early life was shaped by the stories, traditions, and everyday rhythms of his community. His connection to art runs in the family—his great-grandfather was a sculptor, a fact that inspired him to adopt “Okereke” as his artist name. Believing himself to be his ancestor’s reincarnation, he channels a deep fascination with Nigerian culture, ancient practices, traditional masks, and the history of African people into his work.
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One of his standout pieces, The Beetle, draws from personal and cultural roots—inspired by his mother’s resilience, Nigeria’s pre-digital past, and the post-graduation tradition of the NYSC. The piece, like much of his art, serves as both a personal reflection and a cultural record, encouraging viewers to find themselves, remember their origins, and, in his words, “look back home.”
For Okereke, creating meaningful work is not optional—it is a responsibility. “If we do not know where we come from, we will not know where we are going,” he says. He approaches art intuitively, creating from within and allowing each piece to find its own voice, believing that true impact cannot be forced.
Beyond the canvas, Okereke’s life has been a journey of seeking purpose and truth. Recently stepping away from organized religion, he has immersed himself in studying ancient Igbo traditions and pre-colonial African history with an open mind. This exploration has revealed hidden truths about his identity and deepened his understanding of the world—insights that continue to shape his evolving body of work.
