The Intersection of Art and Politics in Uche Okeke’s Work
Published 19 December 2024 in The Work
Uche Okeke Legacy Editorial
Uche Okeke was a cultural crusader who used his creativity to engage with the political and social issues of his time. His art was deeply intertwined with the quest for post-independence African identity, making him a key figure in Nigeria's cultural and political renaissance.
Uche Okeke, Women Riot, Oil on Board, 72 x 48 inches, Uche Okeke Legacy Collection
Post-Independence Nigeria: The Context
In 1960, Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule, ushering in a period of optimism mixed with uncertainty. The nation sought to assert its identity, moving away from the imposed European cultural dominance. For Okeke, this moment was an opportunity to use art as a tool for cultural and political reclamation.
Art as Cultural Resistance
Okeke believed that reclaiming Africa’s cultural heritage was integral to the continent’s political liberation. His philosophy of “Natural Synthesis” emerged as a response to the colonial art curriculum, advocating for the fusion of indigenous art forms with modern techniques.
Notable Example: His painting "The Conflict (After Achebe)" reflects the tension between traditional and colonial influences in Nigerian society. The work features dynamic, opposing elements symbolizing the struggles of a society at a cultural crossroads.
Uche Okeke, The Conflict (After Achebe), Painting inspired by Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'
Collaboration with Political Thinkers
Okeke was part of a network of intellectuals, including Chinua Achebe, who shared his vision of using art and literature to reshape African identity. Achebe’s Things Fall Apart resonated deeply with Okeke, inspiring works like "The Conflict (After Achebe)". These collaborations amplified the message that African cultural reclamation was essential for meaningful political independence.
Anecdote: The Zaria Rebellion
In the late 1950s, Okeke and a group of like-minded students at the Nigerian College of Arts in Zaria staged a quiet rebellion against the colonial art syllabus. Dissatisfied with the emphasis on European styles, they formed the Zaria Art Society to explore how traditional African art could address contemporary issues. When a lecturer dismissed their ideas as impractical, Okeke reportedly responded, “Impractical is pretending we are not who we are.”
Themes of Resistance in His Art
Okeke’s works often tackled themes of resistance and resilience:
- Colonial Legacy: Paintings such as "Refugee Family" depicted the cultural dislocation caused by colonization and war.
- Cultural Reclamation: Artworks like "Fortune Pot" depicted tales from Igbo Cosmology and celebrated indigenous spirituality and philosophy.
- Unity and Renewal: Pieces like "Village Square at Moonshine" explored the possibility of peaceful times for a fractured society.
Uche Okeke, Refugee Family, 1966, Uche Okeke Legacy Collection
Art Education as Activism
Okeke saw education as a political act. As head of the Fine and Applied Arts Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he championed the integration of African art forms into the curriculum. The Nsukka School became a centre for artistic and cultural revitalization, producing a generation of artists who carried forward his vision of Natural Synthesis.
Did You Know?
Uche Okeke’s advocacy for cultural renewal extended to everyday life. He reportedly insisted that his students not only study Uli motifs but also visit local markets and shrines to understand their living cultural contexts. He once said, “Art lives where the people live.”
Global Influence
Okeke’s work resonated beyond Nigeria, inspiring other African nations to explore their cultural heritage in the wake of independence. His participation in international exhibitions and cultural dialogues brought attention to the role of African art in global political and social movements.
Uche Okeke’s art and activism intertwined seamlessly, reflecting his commitment to cultural and political renewal in post-independence Africa. His legacy endures as a reminder that art has the power to shape identity, inspire resistance, and imagine new possibilities for society.
Uche Okeke, Help Biafran Refugees, 1968, Linoprint, Uche Okeke Legacy Collection
References
The Zaria Art Society - Smarthistory
National Museum of African Art