Search

  • This event has passed.
New Voices- Chidera Ikewibe
January 18, 2022 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Jan. 15th, 2022- Feb. 15th, 2022

Bio:

Chidera Ikewibe or CHI.IKE is an Igbo Nigerian Canadian artist and poet whose work often combines her experiences and cultural identity. Her works often incorporate NSIBIDI — an ideographic/pictographic writing system from the south-eastern region of Nigeria. Chidera was the OECTA winner for the senior playwriting competition for 2018 for a play she wrote about the Nigerian Civil War. When she is not making art she can be found listening to Kendrick Lamar, Kojey Radical, Fela and FKA Twigs who she sights as poetic inspirations.

Artist Statement:

What is the significance of a name? Is it a placeholder? How important are they? In Igbo culture names hold meaning and are often portmanteaus of larger words to convey a new meaning and often embody characteristics parents see or want in their children. My name for example Chidera means: What God has written cannot be changed. While my last name Ikewibe means: We are stronger together. However, as with any translation, meaning is lost along the way and the nuances are lost in English.

In A(N) P(ART) OF ME!  I aim to explore the meaning of a name and how it can both be a part of oneself and an artistic representation of oneself. Even the sign-off — which is my artist name — is a part of my full name composed of the English translation of two Nsibidi characters. “Chi” means soul and “Ike” means strength which I currently sign all my work under. Names are important even if they do not translate well from one language to another.

 

January 18, 2022 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

ON Canada

Arts Council Windsor & Region