Kelechi Charles Nwaneri Nigeria, b. 1994
“My work is born out of the desire to stir up conversations on issues around Social Values, History, Mental Health, and the subconscious interaction between man and his environment.”
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.
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriTime, People and Change III, 2020Charcoal, Pencils, Oil and Acrylic Paints on Primed Canvas59x42x2.5 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriDIALOGUE 2, 2021Pastels, Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas135x120x4 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriDIALOGUE 4, 2021Pastels, Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas160x130x4 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriMasquerade 1, 2021Charcoal, Acrylic paints and Acid-free Acrylic markers45x34x4 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriEvening Stroll, 2022Charcoal and Acrylic on canvas185 x 150 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriMigrant, 2022Pencil, charcoal sticks, acrylic paint and soft pastels on canvas140 x 140 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriJustice and the Rich, 2022Pencil, charcoal sticks, acrylic paint and soft pastels on canvas150 x 200 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriNo Way Home, 2022Acrilyc on canvas155 x 125 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriUntitled, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas98 x 74 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriConversation, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas147.5 x 173 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriStargate, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas80 x 160 cm
80 x 80 cm each - Kelechi Charles NwaneriDavid in Cappadocia, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas110 x 85 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriDaybreak Thoughts, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas147 x 97 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriPandora's box, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas153 x 150 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriMakeup Artist, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas141 x 111 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriPostcard 2: Old Lady, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas98 x 89 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriPostcard 3: Fate, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas98.5 x 85 cm
- Kelechi Charles NwaneriPostcard 4: Journey, 2023Charcoal sticks, Charcoal pencils, Acrylic paints, soft pastels on canvas96 x 86 cm
AKAA - Also Known As Africa 2022
21 - 23 October 2022AKKA Project is pleased to announce its participation at AKAA – Also Known As Africa – Fair 2022 , an art fair dedicated to artists...Read more(Un)Fair 2022
7 - 10 April 2022AKKA Project is pleased to announce its participation at (Un)Fair 2022 , an art fair dedicated to contemporary artworks, collectors and galleries, happening in Milan...Read moreArt Dubai 2022
11 - 13 March 2022AKKA Project is pleased to announce its participation at Art Dubai 2022 . The 15th edition of the fair will take place from 11 to...Read moreArt Dubai 2021
29 March - 3 April 2021The 14th edition of Art Dubai will take place from 29 March – 3 April 2021 , at Dubai International Financial Centre. Download the Art...Read more
Kelechi Charles Nwaneri
Online Exclusive Viewing Room on Artsy 13 April 2023Check out the selection of works by the Nigerian artists Kelechi Charles Nwaneri now on display both online on Artsy and in our Venetian location,...Read moreAfropean Bridges
Kelechi Nwaneri and Lidija Khachatourian 10 April 2021AKKA Project's Founder, Lidija Khachatourian , and the Nigerian artist Kelechi Nwaneri , resident artist at AKKA Project Venice in 2020, participate in Afropean Bridges...Read moreStop, Listen!, Art from Nigeria
Featuring Kelechi Charles Nwaneri 20 January 2021AKKA Project is thrilled to announce the collaboration with CFHILL , an independent art space and art advisory in Stockholm , Sweden, opening on January...Read moreKelechi Charles Nwaneri
Artist in Residence 2020 18 October 2020AKKA Project is pleased to announce that the artist Kelechi Charles Nwaneri has been selected for the second edition of AKKA Project | Venice Artist...Read more
The Bag: The Biennale Architettura Guide 2023
Venezia News, 17 May 2023Perché visitare (Un)Fair, fiera-non-fiera di arte contemporanea
Susanna Macchia, Vogue, 8 April 2022Immagini da (un)fair, la nuova fiera di arte contemporanea a Milano
Redazione, Artribune, 7 April 2022A Milano arriva (un)fair, il nuovo format innovativo di fiera-non fiera
Redazione, Exibart, 7 April 2022Nasce a Milano la nuova rassegna (un)fair. Una fiera e tutto il suo contrario
Giulia Ronchi, Artribune, 7 April 2022Nasce (Un)Fair, La Nuova Fiera-Non Fiera Che Porta A Milano Le Ultime Tendenze Dell’arte Contemporanea Internazionale
Diego Santamaria, Espoarte contemporary art magazine, 4 April 2022Dubai Highlights Its Position as a Hub For Art From Africa
Albawaba, 25 March 202210 booths at Art Dubai 2022 that are exhibiting exemplary contemporary art
STIRpad, 12 March 2022Afropean Bridges 2021: Lidija Khachatourian & Kelechi Nwaneri
NICHE-Venice, 29 April 2021Residenze e gallerie aiutano a promuovere la giovane arte africana
Maria Adelaide Marchesoni, Il Sole 24 Ore, 14 April 2021Dubai, Il mercato dell’arte vola
TGCOM24, 9 April 2021Everything you need to know about Art Dubai 2021
Shaikh Ayaz, Architectural Digest, 26 March 2021Kelechi Nwaneri
My Art Guides, 15 March 2021Africa Arte e Architettura
Stefano Bucci, La Lettura – Corriere della Sera, 31 January 2021AKKA Project: arte e integrazione tra Venezia e Dubai
Alice Traforti, Art Talkers, 11 December 2020AKKA Project | Venice Artist Residency
Redazione, Art Vibes, 10 December 2020Venezia e l’arte contemporanea africana: AKKA Project | Artist Residency
Elisabetta Roncati, Art Nomade, 14 November 2020Nigeria / Charles Nwaneri Kelechi / CETTE PERSONNE N’EST PAS A VOUS
Zo Mag', 12 November 2020Dreams That Money Can Buy: An Interview with Kelechi Nwaneri
Paul Laster, Art&Object, 6 November 2020Doors, eyes and tribal marks
My Art Guides, 11 February 2020
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