Samuel Nnorom
Biography
Born in Nigeria in 1990, Samuel Nnorom is a distinguished artist celebrated for his innovative tapestry-like sculptures crafted from repurposed Ankara wax fabrics. His early exposure to art began in his father's shoe workshop, where he sketched customers, and his mother's tailoring shop, where he engaged with vibrant fabric scraps. Nnorom earned a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Nigeria and is currently based in Nsukka.
His work delves into themes of material culture and societal structures, employing techniques such as sewing, tying, and cutting to create intricate fabric-covered foam spheres. These "bubbles" metaphorically represent the "fabric of society," highlighting the closed social constructs that envelop daily life. Nnorom's art has been showcased in numerous exhibitions across Africa, Europe, and North America, and he has participated in prestigious residencies, including the Guest Artist Space (GAS) by the Yinka Shonibare Foundation in Nigeria and Black Rock Senegal.
His accolades include the Art for Change Prize in 2022 and the Cassirer Welz Award in 2021. His works are held in esteemed collections such as the Taguchi Collection in Tokyo, the Fondazione Marino Golinelli in Bologna, and the Ettore Fico Museum in Turin. Nnorom's art is highly regarded in the contemporary art market, with his pieces frequently featured in international exhibitions and acquired by notable institutions and private collectors.
