Paradox 2020
Paradox (Photography & Digital Media) series explores the contrariness of self in an environment wired with constant state of stimulation. In an attempt to find balance in the ever-changing technological age I find myself unwinding and meditating, seeking emotional connection between self, nature and the media.
ArchiTextures 2015
ArchiTextures is a documentation of these architectures & communities on the verge of extinction, giving way to the contemporary style buildings hidden behind tall fences and gates. Starting from the 1830s, many emancipated Africans who had been through forced labour and discrimination in Brazil began moving back to Lagos, bringing along with them some cultural and social sensibilities adapted from their sojourn in Brazil. Brazilian architecture in Nigeria is a legacy of the thousands of freed slaves (Amaros or Agudas) who returned to Nigeria in the 19th century. Trained as carpenters, cabinetmakers, masons and bricklayers in Brazil, the ex-slaves were notably technically skilled artisans and were known for their exuberant and individualistic style on doorways, brightly painted facades and chunky concrete columns which are rooted in the baroque styles popular in Brazil in the 18th century.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Chidinma Chinke
Nigeria
Chidinma Chinke is a Visual Artist living and working in Lagos Nigeria. She studied Graphics Design at Yaba College of Technology. Her work explores the architecture of spaces and people, as well as the systems that plays a role in it. She sees her art as a reflection of her inner thoughts and works with various mediums to achieve this.
She has participated in various workshops, exhibitions & projects which includes the Invisible Borders project 2010 & 2011, CCA Asiko Art Program 2011 & 2012, The Nlele Institute & Goethe Institute Photo project 2014, amongst others. She is a two-time finalist in the National Art Competition organized by African Artists Foundation and Nigerian Breweries in 2011 and 2013.
She was a recipient of the ‘How Long is Now’ Architecture Photography grant by African Artist Foundation in 2015, and a recipient of a project grant by Heinrich Böll Foundation Nigeria in 2020 for the project ‘Female Artists’ Perspective to Urban Planning in Lagos’.