INTERPRETING IGBO MASKING AND FOLKLORIC TRADITIONS THROUGH TEXTILE ARTWORKS OF UCHE OKEKE, IFEDIORAMMA DIKE, GODSON DIOGU, AND KENECHUKWU UDEAJA

Abstract

Uche Okeke, Ifedioranma Dike, Godson Diogu, and Kenechukwu Udeaja are socially committed Nigerian artists who have found in local masking and folkloric traditions appropriate ideas, media and themes to document private and public histories of the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria. One factor that unites these artists is their association with the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, here referred to as “Nsukka Art School†or “Nsukka School." Their works, whether in the form of tapestry, a more organic wall hanging, dress, or sculptural form, are imbued with a sense of dynamism, culturalism, and performance akin to the life and traditions of the Igbo. Unfortunately, these textile works appear largely unknown to several art critics and researchers around the world. Relying on relevant literature and photographic images of some selected works of the artists, this paper explores how these artists’ works document important aspects of Igbo history and tradition. Based on the analyses, the paper argues that the artists have graphically demonstrated social responsibility.