Currently not on view

Adam and Eve,

1965

Uche Okeke, 1933–2016; born Nimo, Nigeria; active Nsukka
2017-23
Okeke was a founding member of the Zaria Art Society, established in 1958 by a group of university students who, inspired by the Nigerian independence movement, sought to create a distinctive national artistic style through “natural synthesis,” fusing indigenous art forms with colonial academic approaches. Okeke drew inspiration from uli, intertwining, curvilinear designs derived from nature that are used by Igbo women for body ornamentation and wall painting. Here, through the story of Adam and Eve, Okeke depicts a Judeo- Christian origin myth in a style that draws upon Igbo traditions.

Information

Title
Adam and Eve
Dates

1965

Maker
Medium
Oil on board
Dimensions
121 × 90 cm (47 5/8 × 35 7/16 in.) frame: 125.9 × 95.1 × 6 cm (49 9/16 × 37 7/16 × 2 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Fowler McCormick, Class of 1921, Fund
Object Number
2017-23
Place Made

Africa, Nigeria, Nsukka

Signatures
Signed and dated lower right: Uche Okeke / 1965
Inscription
Inscribed on verso: UCHE OKEKE / ENUGU 1965
Culture