Uche Okeke and the Power of Storytelling
Published 03 July 2025 in The Man
Uche Okeke Legacy Editorial
Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of human expression, a powerful tool used to document history, convey identity, and inspire change. In Nigeria, oral tradition has long been the heartbeat of cultural preservation, and no artist understood this better than Uche Okeke. Throughout his life, Okeke blended visual art and literature to tell the stories of Nigeria - its myths, struggles, and identity. His work was more than creative expression; it was a means of cultural resistance, reclamation, and education.
Storytelling Through Art: Uche Okeke’s Visual Language
Okeke’s artistic journey was deeply influenced by Igbo folklore, mythology, and the indigenous art form known as Uli. This traditional decorative practice, used primarily by Igbo women for body and wall painting, became a central motif in his work.
By integrating Uli into modern artistic techniques, Okeke created a unique visual language that spoke to the resilience of African identity in a post-colonial world. His artwork often depicted scenes from Igbo legends, illustrating gods, spirits, and historical figures in a fluid, linear style that mirrored the rhythm of storytelling itself.
Notable Works
Ana and Her People (1981): A pen-and-ink drawing inspired by Igbo mythology, showcasing the deep spiritual connection between the land and its people.
Nok Suite (1958-1959): A series that reimagined Nigeria’s Nok terracotta figures, bringing ancient artistic heritage into contemporary discourse.
The Conflict (After Achebe): A work inspired by Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, emphasising the cultural clash between tradition and colonial influence.
Through these pieces, Okeke wasn’t just illustrating stories - he was preserving and evolving them for future generations.
Storytelling Through Writing: The Literary Uche Okeke
While widely celebrated as a visual artist, Okeke was also a prolific writer. His essays, manifestos, and poetry were essential in shaping Nigeria’s modernist art movement. His writings advocated for a return to indigenous artistic traditions and challenged the Eurocentric narratives that had dominated African art education.
Key Contributions
The Zaria Art Society Manifesto (1958): Co-authored with fellow artists of the Zaria Art Society, this manifesto outlined the principles of Natural Synthesis - the philosophy of blending indigenous and contemporary art forms.
Personal Journals & Sketchbooks: Okeke meticulously documented his thoughts on Nigerian identity, art, and storytelling, providing future generations with invaluable insights into his creative process.
Essays on Uli Art: His scholarly work on Uli helped revive interest in this fading tradition, ensuring its place in modern artistic discourse.
The Fusion of Art and Literature
Okeke’s collaboration with literary figures like Chinua Achebe exemplified his belief in the intersection of art and writing. His illustrations for Achebe’s works and their shared vision of cultural renaissance reinforced the power of storytelling as a multidisciplinary tool.
Beyond Achebe, Okeke’s influence extended into Nigeria’s academic landscape, where he championed the integration of indigenous knowledge into university curricula. His role as head of the Fine and Applied Arts Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, allowed him to mentor a new generation of artists and writers who would carry forward his legacy.
Did You Know?
Uche Okeke once stated, “A story is never just a story - it is a mirror, a lesson, a warning, and a guide.” This philosophy underpinned his entire body of work, reinforcing the belief that storytelling—whether visual or written - was a crucial tool for shaping identity and history.
Today, Okeke’s contributions to storytelling in art and literature remain a cornerstone of Nigerian modernism. His pioneering efforts in the revival of Uli, his advocacy for cultural synthesis, and his dedication to artistic storytelling continue to inspire artists and scholars globally. Through both brushstrokes and words, Okeke told the story of a nation - its past, present, and dreams for the future. His legacy endures not just in galleries and archives, but in the very fabric of Nigerian artistic identity.
