Kelechi Charles Nwaneri Nigeria, b. 1994

Kelechi Charles Nwaneri's artistic journey commenced in 1994, hailing from the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria. Presently, he calls Lagos his home and artistic sanctuary, a place where his imaginative narratives take shape and substance.

Initially drawn to the realm of Pencil Hyperrealism, Kelechi's artistic evolution has been a captivating trajectory. His genesis in Pencil Realism paved the way for a multifaceted exploration of various mediums, including acrylic paints, collages, watercolors, and oil paints. Notably, his oeuvre bears the hallmark of West-African Iconography, infused with a mystical and metaphysical essence. A pivotal element that defines his work is the Black Hybrid Figure, a manifestation inspired by the concept of scars.

Kelechi's artistic identity defies categorization, residing at the intersection of Photorealism, Surrealism, and Postmodernism. Aptly described as Contemporary Surrealism, his style transcends boundaries and genres, capturing the essence of the modern artistic landscape.

In his own words, "A distinctive thread that weaves through my creations is the 'Hybrid (Black) Figure,' a concept rooted in the symbolism of scars and tribal marks. These figures bear a tapestry of symbols, prominently featuring Adinkra, Uli, and Nsibidi symbols, automatic lines, and Adire patterns. I primarily wield pencils and charcoal sticks to breathe life into these intricate depictions."

In the year 2020, Kelechi embarked on an artistic sojourn as the resident artist at AKKA Project, nestled in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy. This experience further enriched his creative reservoir and added a new layer to his already profound artistic narrative.