Ikeorah Chisom Chi-FADA
Biography
Ikeorah Chisom Chi-FADA, born in 2000 in Lagos, Nigeria, crafts captivating narratives through his art, drawing from a rich blend of cultural, personal, political, and historical influences. His work, deeply rooted in his experiences as a young Nigerian, unfolds a vibrant tapestry of ambitions and resilience. Through what Ikeorah terms "visual poetry," his canvases tell stories that layer narrative elements such as plot, character, and symbolism, all while experimenting with light and color to enrich his compositions.
His art invites viewers into a dialogue, offering pieces of a puzzle for personal reflection and interpretation. Ikeorah Chisom Chi-FADA articulates the essence of his work by highlighting the drama within his paintings, aiming to immerse the observer in the narrative, provoke deep belief, and evoke a cascade of questions. "I'm in the same boat as the observer," he admits, acknowledging the shared journey of questions and discoveries that his storytelling incites.
Currently residing and creating in Lagos, Ikeorah's artistic path was shaped early on, surrounded by peers drawing superhero comics in the streets. Despite an initial diversion from art due to external pressures, a personal crisis rekindled his passion, leading him back to drawing as a form of emotional catharsis and storytelling, symbolizing resilience and transformation through the imagery of flames.
His art, an ongoing narrative that weaves in elements from his childhood and symbolic meanings like the deification of subjects through flames, has gained international recognition. Ikeorah's work has been showcased across the globe, from New York to Stockholm, Ontario, Johannesburg, Urusha, Abidjan, and Lagos, and has caught the attention of notable campaigns like Snoop Dogg's 'Invest in Black Artists.' His pieces have found homes in prestigious collections, including the Dean Collection, the Ditau Collection, and the Harpers Museum, among other esteemed private collectors.
