Gerald Chukwuma

Gerald Chukwuma (born 1973) is a Nigerian visual artist, sculptor and painter whose work combines wood, aluminium, copper and found materials to explore migration, memory, identity, history and globalisation. His artistic practice draws inspiration from the traditional Uli art tradition of southeastern Nigeria and contemporary African experiences.

His works have been exhibited across Africa, Europe and the United States, and he has participated in major international art fairs and exhibitions, including the Armory Show in New York.

Early life and education

Chukwuma was born in 1973 in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003.

Career

Chukwuma began his professional career as a contemporary artist after graduating from the University of Nigeria. His artistic practice combines sculpture, painting and assemblage using reclaimed wood, aluminium sheets, copper, nails and other recycled materials.

His works examine African identity, migration, spirituality, displacement and postcolonial history while incorporating motifs derived from the traditional Uli artistic tradition of the Igbo people.

He has exhibited alongside notable Nigerian artists including Ebenezer Akinola, George Edozie and Olusegun Adejumo.

In 2022, Chukwuma was selected as one of five international artists commissioned to create installations for the Armory Show in partnership with the United States Tennis Association during the U.S. Open.

In 2025, he presented the solo exhibition Water Carried Us Here, Water Will Carry Us Away, inspired by the historical tragedy of the Igbo Landing of 1803 and themes of memory, migration and resilience.

Selected exhibitions

Solo exhibitions

2016 – People's Paradise, Temple Muse, Lagos. 2017 – Standing Ovation, Gallery 1957, Accra. 2019 – Wrinkles, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London. 2020 – Ikwokirikwo: The Dance of Spirits, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Berlin. 2021 – Eclipse of the Scrolls, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London. 2025 – Water Carried Us Here, Water Will Carry Us Away, O'DA Art Gallery, Lagos.

Group exhibitions

2006 – With a Human Face, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. 2020 – Enter Art Fair, Copenhagen. 2021 – Travels with Herodotus, Milan. 2022 – Armory Off-Site, New York City.

Artistic style

Chukwuma's work is recognised for its use of reclaimed materials, richly textured surfaces and engraved symbolism. His artistic language combines traditional Igbo visual culture with contemporary sculptural techniques to address issues of migration, displacement, cultural memory and African identity.