Kulture Kode is thrilled to announce the upcoming solo exhibition of paintings, mixed media, and wood etchings themed Layers of Existence – A Panoramic View, featuring the innovative works of Chinze Ojobo, a celebrated London-based Nigerian artist. The captivating exhibition, featuring about 30 works, will run from November 30 to December 4, 2025, at Didi Museum, 175 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ojobo is a renowned artist whose work explores the profound narratives of existence through a unique fusion of mediums. She has made a mark in the contemporary art scene, celebrated for her ability to weave intricate stories within her paintings, mixed media, and wood etchings. Her art often reflects deep social themes, drawing on personal experiences and cultural contexts.
“As an artist, I am driven by a desire to capture moments of joy, celebration, resilience, and hope. I believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries and foster understanding, and my work seeks to initiate conversations about identity, memory, and the shared human condition. The layers in my artwork represent not only personal histories but also the collective experiences of my community and culture,” Ojobo said.
In Layers of Existence, she invites viewers to engage with the complexity of human experience. Each piece represents various facets of life: joy, resilience, and hope—encouraging a dialogue about the nuances that shape our identities. Utilizing bold colours, textured layers, and thoughtful compositions, Ojobo creates artworks that not only reflect her cultural heritage but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, drawing viewers into her unique world.
Speaking on “Echoes Within”, one of the works for the upcoming exhibition, Ojobo explained that the work (acrylic on carved wood panels, 2025), “suggests the inner reverberations of our experiences, emotions, and memories — the unseen effects that shape who we are.
Just as echoes repeat and transform sound, our inner lives reflect and reshape the world around us. It evokes the idea that our existence isn’t static, but a continuous dialogue between what’s outside us and what lives”.
A graduate of Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ojobo trained under El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu, two internationally acclaimed artists, whose mentorship shaped her early artistic journey. Through the rigorous training, she developed a distinctive style characterized by intricate layering, dynamic textures, and a keen understanding of the interplay between light and shadow.
Ojobo’s artistic journey has taken her beyond Nigeria’s borders, allowing her to exhibit her work in various prestigious galleries and art fairs globally. Her pieces have been collected by art enthusiasts and institutions alike, further establishing her as a prominent voice in the contemporary art scene. She later studied Interior Design in Los Angeles, California, broadening her creative outlook and practice.
In her work, she skilfully weaves together narratives that celebrate the beauty of African culture while addressing contemporary themes. Her work explores acrylic on canvas, wooden sculpture, and jute, often incorporating traditional Uli symbols and African visual languages. She is the pioneer of “Ute-Osisi,” an innovative medium that pushes her exploration of texture, materiality, and cultural narratives further. Rich in symbolism and energy, her works reflect both tradition and contemporary identity.
Since her first international invitation in 2001 to exhibit in California, Ojobo has participated in over 70 exhibitions worldwide, including the New York Art Expo, Bonhams Art Auction (London), Chalkwell Auctions (UK), Paris, Bulgaria, South Africa, Hollywood, Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu. Among her many highlights is the exhibition “Glass Ceiling Shattered” at the European School of Economics, London, which tackled the barriers confronting the African girl-child. Her artistic achievements have earned her global recognition, most notably the African Achievers Award in Art in 2018, presented at the House of Commons, London.
In 2023, she relocated to the United Kingdom on a Global Talent Visa, where she continues to expand her international career. An art activist and advocate for the girl-child, her work not only celebrates African creativity but also challenges societal limitations, using visual storytelling as a tool for empowerment and change.
Udemma Chukwuma, the curator of the exhibition, expressed her admiration for Ojobo’s artistry saying, “I am genuinely fascinated by her works. Her energy is incredible. Her unique ability to convey emotions through art is amazing. I am honoured to curate this exceptional exhibition and I look forward to seeing you there.”
Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, join us for the grand opening where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist and gain insight into her creative process.