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About the Artist - Uchechukwu Onyishi
The 32-year old artist, Uchechukwu Onyishi hails from the oil-rich Nigeria - Africa's most populous country. In a highly explorative mode of expression, he is best known for his "insects" concept and versatile use of raw materials ranging from wood, wire, clay, seeds, ropes and metal in his sculptures.
Having graduated from the University of Nigeria as a Fine and Applied Arts major, Onyishi moved from the traditional mode of expression to experimental ones. His works have received critical acclaim in exhibitions from Japan, to Germany and Nigeria.
Onyishi served as artist-in-residence under the UNESCO-ASCHBERG Bursaries for Artists program from August to October 2001. Arriving for the first time in Hong Kong, Onyishi found all things inspirational. Having never even eaten in a Chinese restaurant before in Nigeria, this new kid on the block, was busy watching Jackie Chan's movies, staying fit by practicing martial arts and picking up Cantonese during his three-month residency.
During his three-month stay, Onyishi was very keen to explore the local culture. Having worked with a group of 20 local students from the Young Friends of the Hong Kong Arts Festival under a cultural program organized by the Philippe Charriol Foundation called "Black and White Connection", he was introduced to local culture via visits to local homes, schools, restaurants and karaoke. During the time, these local teens learned about Nigerian art and culture as well as creating art pieces from the artist. As a final culmination of his residency in Hong Kong, Onyishi held a solo exhibition, " Busy city", at the end of his stay from 19 - 23 October 2001.
You may wish to contact Onyishi at his e-mail address:
onyishi@hotmail.com
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Word from Artist
Art is an expression of one's innermost thoughts. It is an outward
demonstration of inward desires. It is a physical manifestation
of the mind.
Art draws from memories of the past, events from the present,
and dreams of the future; therefore, in summation, art can be
said as an accumulation of old and ever-changing ways to appease
to the five senses.
In my art, I choose to explore the essence of all matter via
the simple component of dots. Not only is it an aesthetic
form, it is also a component of the elements. Therefore, through
the dots, which I use, I am able to create for them a multiple
functioning role. Illustrating that all elements are composed
of molecules, par and particles, I am able to create various
different perspectives of viewing the world through the examination
of my works.
Apart from the diversified foci of this experiment, my recent
works tend to focus on the study of insects that live in a group.
These forms are used to create expressions that transcend beyond
the literal sense. When placed in a group, these insects interact
to create a different dynamism. It is precisely this interaction
which foster dynamism in all spheres of life.
My trip to Hong Kong was made possible by the funding of the
UNESCO-ASCHBERG International Fund for the Promotion of Culture
in collaboration with the Philippe Charriol Foundation. Since
my arrival here on 2 August, I have felt most welcome by the
city and its people. This experience was an extension of the
Foundation's onus as a host organization.
I am greatly amazed at the outstanding role of Philippe Charriol
Foundation in the promotion of arts. Through its consistent
efforts, the Foundation is able to extend the role of art
promotion to the audience. This capacity is a rare and good
gesture worthy of emulation. I therefore, hope that other
foundations and establishments will appropriate this great
manifestation from Philippe Charriol Foundation and come out
boldly to promote art and culture.
- Uchechukwu Onyishi
2001 |
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