Uchennayaa Explore Mondoir Studio Nationality: Nigerian Born: 1997 Artistic discipline: painting Based in: Lagos , NG BiographyRejoice Uchenna Nwankwo (November 6, 1997), professionally known as Uchennayaa, is a self taught Nigerian visual artist hailing from Arondizuogu, Imo State, and currently based in Lagos. She holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology in Soil Science and Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Despite her university education in agriculture, her passion for visual art began in childhood. She formalized her early interest by studying Visual Arts throughout Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School, even while pursuing science subjects, and consistently excelled in the subject. In 2019, she began her practical training on canvas painting under fellow artist Stanley Onumaegbu. Since then, she hascontinued to develop her practice through independent experimentation, hands-on experience, and conversations with other artists about painting techniques, materials, and colour. Her artistic journey is driven by a lifelong passion for art and a commitment to exploring and developing her own unique creative voice. She works across different mediums, she works with acrylic paints, oil paints on canvas or linen, sometimes sheaccessorizes with bead or thread and also occasionally create digital art using an iPad. Artist StatementI create paintings inspired by life, intuitive moments, and different experiences that capture my deep attention. My works act as a visual bridge to human connection, inviting viewers to find shared meaning and resonance within each piece. Central to my artistic practice is a set of characters I call Chu, a name derived from Chukwu, the Igbo word for God, their distinctive lips are inspired by the Nsibidi symbol for love. My creative process is both structured and intuitive. I begin by sketching my ideas on my sketch book, which I then translate onto my canvas or linen. I wash the canvas with light tones to block the plain white background while I move unto building up my compositions with layers of colors. Ultimately, my art is an ongoing evolution of my creative voice, dedicated to making a profound sense of connection in the viewers. ExhibitionsGroup Exhibition Artist Commune, Lagos, Nigeria — 2023 AwardsAward: Best Graduating Female Visual Artist, Senior Secondary School (SS3). Awarded in recognition of my performance in Visual Arts as the best graduating female visual arts student in my graduating set, despite being enrolled in the science track. EducationFormal Education: Bachelor of Agricultural Technology in Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Art Education: Studied Visual Arts from Junior Secondary School through Senior Secondary School. Practical Training: Received practical training in canvas painting under artist Stanley Onumaegbu in 2019. Workshops and Mentorships: No formal workshops or mentorship programmes completed. Independent Practice: Continued developing my artistic practice through self-directed learning, experimentation, and hands-on experience. Artworks by Uchennayaa Midnight series (girl edition) Medium: Acrylic on canvas Price: $600.00 USD Midnight series (boy edition) Medium: Acrylic on canvas Price: $600.00 USD Intune with the universe not affected by it. Medium: Acrylic on spherical canvas Price: $1348.00 USD
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