Chika Idu was always drawn to the world of art. As a young boy in Nigeria, he spent his days sketching and painting, honing his skills, and exploring his creativity. But it wasn’t until he enrolled in the Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State that he truly found his calling.
At Auchi Polytechnic, Idu studied painting and became increasingly interested in the ways that art could be used to address social issues. He saw the power that art had to shine a light on the struggles of women and children in his community and set out to create works that would capture their plights and inspire change.
Idu’s technique is one that he calls “light against visual distortion.” He draws inspiration from the way that light scatters on particles such as mist, fog, and dust, and uses heavy texture and hazy renditions to capture the essence of his subjects. His paintings are both beautiful and haunting, and have earned him a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most exciting and impactful artists.
For Idu, art is more than just a form of expression – it is a tool for social change. He has used his paintings to address a wide range of social issues, including failing educational systems, health risks faced by children living in coastal slums, and the abuse of women. He is committed to exposing the plight of the African child and has spent the past 16 years using his art to raise awareness and inspire action.
In addition to his work as an artist, Idu has also been instrumental in the creation of several art collectives and societies in Nigeria. He co-founded Defactori Studios, a collective of dynamic new-generation artists, and helped create Nigeria’s first Water Colour Society of Artists (SABLES).
Through his art and his activism, Chika Idu is making a real difference in the world. He is a true visionary, and his work serves as a reminder of the power of art to bring about meaningful change.
Viewing Chika Idu’s art is a powerful experience. His heavy textures and hazy renditions create a dream-like atmosphere that draws you into his paintings and captures your attention. Idu’s use of light and shadow creates a dynamic and striking contrast that adds depth and emotion to his subjects.
When viewing Idu’s art, you can’t help but feel the weight of the social issues that he is addressing. His paintings are a haunting reminder of the struggles that women and children face in Nigeria and beyond. But despite the seriousness of the issues he addresses, there is beauty and hope in his art that leaves you feeling inspired.
Chika Idu is a true visionary. His commitment to using his art to address social issues is both admirable and impactful. Through his use of heavy texture and hazy rendition, he has created a style that is uniquely his own and serves as a powerful reminder of the power of art to bring about change.
Chika Idu
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