The Visual Arts > Residence

Uchechukwu Onyishi

Uchechukwu, better known as “Uche” was born 35 years ago in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria. Uche did his BA in Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka a short distance from his home.

“My earliest memories related to Art, are of modeling small works in clay as a child.” Uche’s talent became apparent to his parents and his father enrolled him into a technical college. “My father believed that my ability to craft would lead me to become an engineer.” Uche went ahead and passed all his courses. “But I felt that this was not it. My (pause, thinking)… my joy was not fulfilled. So I did the GCE (General Certifacate of Education) and the JAMB (Joint Admission, Matriculation Board) exams. I passed the two and was admitted into the University”.

During this time, Uche discovered that his parental grandfather was a highly recognised traditional musician who played the xylophone for the renowned Omabe Masquerade in Nigeria.

Art was in the blood.

Uche started exhibiting then during his first year “long vacation”. The exhibition, whose theme was “Development through Art”, was organized by Minaj Radio in conjunction with Association of Nigerian Artists. The was in 1997.

From then Uche has been “moving”. In 1998, Uche was short listed to attend the Osaka Tri-annual, where he exhibited as one of the five African artists. After many exhibitions and numerous accolades, Uche won the Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Award in 2003. “This award allows the winner to choose any Commonwaelth country and to have an art residency for six months. In 2004, Uche chose to come to Kenya, a Commonwealth country, for the six-month residency that is part of the award.

“Its great. Kenya, its great.” Uche participated in the Wasanii Workshop in Lamu. Came to Nairobi, and volunteered to teach at Mukuru Arts and Crafts Centre, located in one of the slum areas in Nairobi. Uche taught 2 days a week, seven hours a day for four months. “Those kids are my inspiration. If I am able to be involved in the change of one life positively, I will be happy. That would be great. “

Uchechukwu is currently studying for a Masters in Fine Art, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Uche's contacts are:

Uchechukwu Onyishi,
Fine and Applied Arts Department,
University of Nigeria, Nksukka.

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