Gala artwork 2018: Ekene Maduka

Gala artwork 2018: Ekene MadukaThe Two Selves 2017 Oil on canvas 27. 5 x 35. 5 courtesy of the artist Reserve: $700 In The Two Selves Ekene Maduka is viewer, subject and auteur. This playful perspectival game addresses the interplay between the social and individual formation of identity. Madukas frequent use of her own image challenges representation of the female figure, and the black body in art, fashion, and popular culture. Born in Nigeria and based in Winnipeg, Madukas work

The Two Selves

 2017 | Oil on canvas | 27.5” x 35.5” | courtesy of the artist

Reserve: $700  

In The Two Selves Ekene Maduka is viewer, subject and auteur. This playful perspectival game addresses the interplay between the social and individual formation of identity. Maduka’s frequent use of her own image challenges representation of the female figure, and the black body in art, fashion, and popular culture.

Born in Nigeria and based in Winnipeg, Maduka’s work deals heavily with memory, nostalgia, and identity, employing bold colour and heavy detailing of food, fabric and skin, which are vivid reminders of her Nigerian heritage and personal memories. Her consistent use of her own image explores representations of the female figure, challenging historical tropes surrounding the depiction of black women in art and fashion. In 2018, Maduka was awarded one of twenty Dean Collection grants from among thousands of submissions worldwide. Recent exhibitions include, Gather, Flux Gallery, Winnipeg; and Install, Run and Strike, aceartinc., Winnipeg.