MWOYO ARTS

MAY THROUGH JUNE 1998

IMAGES
contemporary African paintings by Chidi Okoye

May 8^th - June 28^th, 1998
Opening Reception Friday, May 8^th, 7-9 p.m. with traditional Nigerian music and drums. The reception is free and open to the public.

CHIDI OKOYE, internationally renowned Nigerian artist will stop in Seattle as part of his European/American world tour. His paintings, relief sculptures and poems will be on exhibit at Mwoyo Arts from May 8 through June 28. This exhibit, "IMAGES," offers a reflection of both his contemporary and cultural heritage. An award winning artist, Chidi was born and trained in Nigeria. He lectured for six years in the Fine Arts Department at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Nigeria. Chidi's broad range of styles, media and the great influence of his cultural heritage has won him international admiration. His paintings are reminiscent of Uli, a bold style of visual expression which originated from the Igbo people in Nigeria. A figurative expressionist, Chidi uses strong vibrant colors to execute natural textures on canvas. Chidi's extraordinary relief sculptures are cast hydro-stones with a metallic finish. These stylized figures radiate themes of festivity, dancers, and drummers. Now residing in Vancouver BC, Chidi has proven to be a highly accomplished philosophical artist whose colors and images have won the hearts of collectors all over the world. He has participated in numerous international exhibitions in Europe, Africa and North America. He was the guest artist of Sundiata Festival in 1991. In 1997, he designed a logo "The Spirit of the Nation" for the Canadian Heritage Society in Victoria, BC.

Works:

Okoye, Chidi "In Arms of Mother" acrylic on canvas 30"x48"

In Arms of Mother

I have always cared and carried
babies as they were mine.
Little did I know the depth of care
in hearts of mothers.

I have played and sang blissful
babies to sleep,
Waking up in bed with motionless
and empty hands,
gosh! I must be dreaming.

I have made millions of unseen
Wishes in life.
I have cried silently on lone bed to
the hearing of the children of my
dream.
I have hoped and prayed for the
things I want in life.
I have wratched and seen my faith
grow and whether like leaves of trees.
I have had fears in the strength of self.
But thank Heaven for the wonders of
creation.
Here you are, nice and sweet in arms of
mother.
I have often pinch myself and smile
to Heaven.
This, is not a dream.

Dear child, despite the rough textures
of road of life,
you have been guided with my life.
You are the first of all that came
before you.
My love for you will never die, my
baby.

Copyright 1998 Chidi Okoye

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