Wole Adedoyin Interviews Chidera Confidence Uzoma: Art in Nigeria: A Game of Passion, an Endless Path of Ideas and Expression

WA: PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
CHIDERA: My name is Chidera Confidence Uzoma, a multidisciplinary artist from Imo State. I am currently the South-East Zonal Coordinator of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria, an executive member of the Society of Nigerian Artists in Anambra State, and the past president of Omenka Ndi Imo Contemporary Arts in Imo State. Additionally, I am the founder of the De A.C.T Initiative under Dera Soars Art Gallery.

WA: TELL US MORE ABOUT ART IN YOUR COUNTRY.
CHIDERA: Art in Nigeria is a game of passion, an endless path of ideas and expression. Many artists are self-motivated, creating art out of sheer drive. While some are celebrated, others remain underrated. People often say, "It's happening in Lagos," but what about the South-East and South-South? Artists in these regions need to remain focused to thrive and stand out.
The creative process is akin to refining gold—the hotter the fire, the purer the gold. Creativity births innovation, and even in adversity, we find purpose. Nigeria itself serves as a vast market of inspiration.
Our eyes, ears, and emotions are gateways to creativity. Our stories, history, and ambitions are deeply embedded in our art. For many of us, art is more than expression—it is therapy, a safe space, and a tool for healing and liberation.

WA: HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT IHRAF BEFORE?
CHIDERA: No.

WA: HOW ARE ARTISTS USING ART TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
CHIDERA: Artists promote human rights through exhibitions, workshops, seminars, and even literature. These platforms shed light on societal issues such as abuse, addiction, marginalization, and slavery while educating young people on ways to address these challenges.

WA: WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE?
CHIDERA: My themes include cultural values, problem-solving in life, human rights, and the therapeutic aspects of art that offer solace amidst life's struggles.

WA: WHAT ART FORMS DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
CHIDERA: I identify with painting, drawing, illustration, writing, and crafting.

WA: WHAT ROLE DOES AN ARTIST PLAY IN SOCIETY?
CHIDERA: Artists act as therapists, cultural custodians, human rights advocates, and environmental protectors by recycling waste materials into creative works.

WA: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTWORK?
CHIDERA: One of my favorite pieces is titled "Free Indeed."

WA: WHAT JOBS HAVE YOU DONE OTHER THAN BEING AN ARTIST?
CHIDERA:

• Member Relations Manager at Friends of International Art under SMATE & SMATE, an advertising firm.

• President of Omenka Ndi Imo Contemporary Arts, an Imo State-based art organization.

• Organizer of annual art workshops for children since 2021.

• Graphic designer for individuals and art organizations, creating catalogs, Google Forms, flyers, and posters.

• Through the De A.C.T Initiative, I’ve conducted outreach in schools and government offices, taught crafts, and created murals. I also organized a podcast series for National Art in Health Week, featuring curators, business owners, international artists, and scholars.

• Designed commissioned illustrations for a writer.

• Currently serving as the South-East Zonal Coordinator of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria.

WA: WHY?
CHIDERA: I love exploring ideas and making an impact in every capacity I can.

WA: WHAT IS AN ARTISTIC OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
CHIDERA: An artistic outlook on life, from my perspective, is not just about aesthetics or beauty; it’s a canvas of expression.
Life is full of expressions—eating, walking, singing, talking, dancing, smiling—they are all forms of expression.
Instead of succumbing to depression, anxiety, or worry, we should be grateful to God for the little things He has given us and express ourselves through thanksgiving, joyful activities, and celebrating the beautiful aspects of life.
From another perspective, an artistic outlook on life encompasses the masterpiece of creation. The trees, birds, sky, sun, moon, animals, and humanity itself are all artworks showcasing God’s creative prowess. Looking at life through this lens helps us reminisce about and appreciate nature and the Creator of the universe.

WA: WHAT MEMORABLE RESPONSES HAVE YOU HAD TO YOUR WORK?
CHIDERA: Some memorable responses include:

• “I love the way you play with colors.”

• “I love your style.”

• “Masterpiece.”

• “That boy in the painting looks like my stubborn cousin!”

• “Your work screams royalty!”

WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT THE ART WORLD?
CHIDERA: Its extreme nature.
I’ve encountered artists who use their blood to paint. I’ve also heard of an artist who committed suicide as the final piece of an art series.
There seem to be defects in art addictions. To guard myself against such tendencies, I make a conscious effort to stay connected with my Maker through prayer, worship, and meditating on God’s word.

WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
CHIDERA: I love the freedom it offers. Every color holds significance, and my style allows them to find their place. My work enables me to tell my stories, which I truly enjoy.

WA: SHOULD ART BE FUNDED?
CHIDERA: Absolutely. Art is therapeutic. It preserves memories and histories, nurtures talent, and curbs societal vices and crimes. Like any other profession, art requires tools and resources. Funding supports mobility and other essentials, ensuring artists can continue to create and share their work.

WA: NAME THREE ARTISTS YOU’D LIKE TO BE COMPARED TO.
CHIDERA:

• In painting: Shahul Hameed Saludheen

• In drawing: Josh Hernandez

• In illustration: Malam Bala

WA: WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
CHIDERA: “See a man diligent in his business; he will stand before kings and not mean men.”

WA: WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE GOAL?
CHIDERA: My goal is to create the most inspiring learning environment for art and craft, where talented individuals and aspiring artists can find a home away from home.

WA: YOUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO UPCOMING ARTISTS?
CHIDERA: Stay focused and self-motivated.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Whatever challenges you face now will refine you. In the end, you will emerge as pure gold.

Chidera Confidence Uzoma is a multidisciplinary artist hailing from Imo State, Nigeria. She currently serves as the South-East Zonal Coordinator of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria and is an executive member of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Anambra State Chapter. Uzoma is the past president of Omenka Ndi Imo Contemporary Arts in Imo State and the founder of the De A.C.T (Art and Craft Training) Initiative, operating under the umbrella of Dera Soars Art Gallery, a virtual art gallery. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she delves into her passion for art, her journey, and the significance of art in Nigeria.