Ikechukwu Ezeigwe: Pushing creative boundaries with Zoomorphic art

It has been eight years of practice as full-time artist for Ikechukwu Ezeigwe. But it is not the number of years in practice that matters for the young artist, but the difference and impact he wants to make with his art.

Unlike many of his folks, he ventured into Zoomorphic or Anthropomorphic Art; which he described as the hybrid of animal and human forms to create art. Through this unique painting form and medium of expression, Ikechukwu attributes animalistic character to humans, which can represent positive or negative visualization.

Of course, that form of artistic expression is not popular, he confessed that, “It came about through experimentation”.

In the past eight years, Ikechukwu, who graduated as the Best Painting Student of the Fine Art Department, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, has passed through the thick and thin, experimenting further in his chosen form of artistic expression, he kept going, and mastering his craft along the line.

Today, his works are out there, in some galleries, with some private collectors and even in corporate spaces. Again, looking back at the eight years, which he described as the most adventurous experience of his life, he thanks God for the teachings he had growing up. “They infuse me with a “never give up” mentality. They built an ‘I can do’ mentally in you. I will say that I have had an exciting time of freedom of thought, freedom of expression and the joy of earning reasonably from that liberty of thought and expression.

Through his tenacity and sheer creativity, Ikechukwu has made Zoomorphic art a household name for many art collectors and enthusiasts. “My art is recognized by a lot of people and it is captivating,” he enthused.

Also looking back at the feats, he has achieved in less than a decade, the Zoomorphic artist noted that his art has evolved through the years since starting as a full-time artist. “My art is my way of addressing global issues in a unique, captivating, interesting and creative way. I have been able to carve a niche for myself in the art space, and that is exciting,” he enthused.

Today, he has had many notable exposures, works and contacts through his art, with more in the pipeline.

“I had my first solo exhibition in 2020 with Omenka Gallery Ikoyi, Lagos titled Beast Of No Nation, my second solo exhibition in 2024 at Alexis Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos was titled Monkey Business. I have had about 10 group exhibitions in all and my next exhibition is brewing,” he said, while insisting that all were possible because of his perseverance at experimenting, developing and following a different form of artistic expression.

What is also going for Ikechukwu is that he is also not following the popular ways or mentality of his generation. While majority of them are in a haste to be out there without sacrificing time to learn more, get the needed mentorship to horn their skills, and bid for their time; he is not in a haste to fame or to make money.

“I used to have that attitude immediately I left school and started full-time practice. But with time, I have learnt to take things slow because art is a lifetime career. I am not going to retire from it. So, when you have that kind of attitude, you will not be in a rush. Everything you want to accomplish, everything you want to see, will happen with time,” he noted.

But he is not just biding his time; he is happy the way his art is going, in terms of creativity, recognitions and earnings despite the harsh economy.

He attributed his ability to stay afloat despite the economic realities of today to the quality relationships he built over the years from art collectors and to the few galleries he has opportunity to deal with.

“These are people who are unapologetically loyal to your work. They have sustained and have continued to sustain me till today. I will advise artists to build quality relationships. Do not be rude or proud. But do not be a ‘door mat’ either. Know the difference. It matters, especially in times like this,” he admonished his folks, especially the emerging ones.

What inspires his art, as well as his themes are also intriguing. “I get my inspiration through reading, movies, traveling and visiting places”. His themes cut across several ideas and topical issues such as politics and leadership, racism and human behavior.

But he is currently working on wildlife conservation, endangered animals, among others. “These are exciting themes I hope to work on for a long time”.

Meanwhile, he confessed that his art is what it is today because of the quality mentorships, (local and international) he has had and still having.

“My mentors are people who have helped me grow since I began full-time practice; they are people who inspire me to keep improving myself and people whose works challenge me to do better because of their tenacity and excellence”.

Some of his mentors include: Rahman Akar of Signature Gallery Lagos, Femi Williams of Iwalewa Gallery, and Abiodun Olaku of Universal Studios of Art.

But he did not forget the huge family mentorship and upbringing, which he credited, especially to his family.

“I am an extremely optimistic person, probably because of the kind of upbringing I had. I was exposed to the teachings of faith early through the church. In retrospect, that is one of the best legacies my father gave me and my siblings- equipping and exposing us with the right teaching to face life,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ikechukwu has big ambitions for his practice, but prefers slow and steady growth that will allow his art to mature more, command more respect and being sought-after globally.

“I see myself partnering with some of the biggest stakeholders in the wildlife conservation space both nationally and internationally such as the National Geographic and WWF,” he said.

He concluded by reassuring that he will keep taking things slowly as art is a lifetime career, which he is not going to retire from.