Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu is a self-taught experimental artist and illustrator based in Lagos.
Her artistic practice revolves around the exploration of line, form, space, and boundaries, which she expresses through a diverse range of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, film, and digital platforms. She consistently crafts multidimensional environments that amalgamate abstract elements, textures, and materials, creating dynamic interactions within her work.
With an extensive career spanning over five years, Yadichinma has engaged in fruitful collaborations with both local and international artists and venues. She notably embarked on concurrent residencies in South Africa and Dubai, enriching her creative journey. In 2018, she earned a prestigious commission from the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, where her work was showcased as a vital component of the Grow Box project. In 2021, Yadichinma gained recognition as a featured artist on CNN’s Inside Africa series, and she had the honour of exhibiting her art at the World Trade Organization (WTO) event hosted by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Continually pushing the boundaries of her practice, she actively participates in panel discussions and recently served as a speaker at the 2022 Africa NXT event. Her creative prowess has also attracted commissions from esteemed institutions such as The Goethe Institut, Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA Lagos), and Art X Lagos.
Beyond her artistic endeavours, Yadichinma has developed a keen interest in creative education, archiving, and interactive experiences. She frequently invites her audience to embark on intellectual journeys with her, fostering engagement through dialogue and active participation. In addition to her exploration of the tangible world, Yadichinma delves into the intersection of the digital realm with physical reality. She currently manages an engaging online project on Instagram titled ‘Of Pure Technical Romance’ (@ofpuretechnicalromance). This platform serves as a journal for her thoughts and ideas, explored through digital interfaces.
Employing techniques such as screen recording, GIFs, screenshots, and collages, she scrutinises the virtual world as a thriving society that extends beyond its fundamental technical functions. Yadichinma’s creative spirit is driven by her fascination with processes and the genesis of phenomena. This curiosity infuses her approach to life and the environment, which she navigates with child-like wonder and an insatiable curiosity. She firmly believes that objects, regardless of their complexity, harbour their unique universes and intricate systems.”