Gerald Chukwuma is a painter, sculptor, environmental artist, and one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising contemporary artists. His practice involves intricately crafted mixed media sculpture, using materials like found aluminum, copper, wood, fiberglass, and pigments. The materials he chooses are common, but through techniques such as burning, chiseling, stitching, and painting, he captures a richly layered history embedded with personal, spiritual, and political meaning that often addresses contemporary concerns of rapid environmental and ecological change. His sculptures, paintings, and collages often explore themes of migration, globalization, and the constant process of transformation and reinvention. By bridging the past and present, his work connects the physical and spiritual realms, inviting viewers to engage with the deeper stories that shape our world.
Born in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria in 1973, Gerald pursued his passion for art at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a degree with First Class Honours in Fine and Applied Arts. His work is deeply influenced by the Nsukka art tradition, particularly the use of traditional Uli and Nsibidi symbols, which expand and modernize the Igbo cultural aesthetic.
Gerald graduated in 2003 and has been a practicing studio artist till date operating two studios in Lagos, Nigeria. He has participated in 12 solo exhibitions in Lagos, Accra, Western Cape, Berlin, London, Memphis and Plam Beach and 30 group exhibitions including 9 international Art fairs.
In 2008 and 2012, Gerald emerged as one of the top three winners of the Eminent national art competition organized by the African Artist Foundation and the Nigerian breweries. His art was featured in CNN’s Inside Africa in 2011 and The New York Times Art Review in 2019.
In 2020, Gerald played a pivotal role in Art X Puzzles: Puzzles with Purpose, an initiative launched by Rachel Vancelette. Collaborating with over 80 contemporary artists, the project transformed their artworks into jigsaw puzzles. Proceeds from each puzzle sale supported COVID-19 Artist Relief, Black Lives Matter, and the First Responders Children’s Relief Fund.
In May 2021, Gerald Chukwuma was a featured speaker in the Building Bridges through Contemporary Arts Online Panel Discussions Series, hosted by the University of Brighton. This initiative facilitates a dialogue between key stakeholders from Africa and Europe, aiming to stimulate reflections that inform innovative collaborations between contemporary arts and academia. Amid the uncertainties of COVID-19, the series aims to create lasting connections and insights beyond current challenges.
In 2022, Gerald Chukwuma was selected as one of five featured artists for the Armory Off Site Fair, presented by Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery. This prestigious off-site exhibit, in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Armory Show, showcased major sculptures by a diverse roster of artists. Chukwuma's inclusion as the only African artist underscored the global reach and cultural significance of his work. The USTA's Be Open campaign, which began in 2020 to highlight underrepresented artists, continued its commitment through this collaboration, spotlighting Chukwuma's innovative and culturally resonant artworks. His participation highlighted his growing recognition on an international stage, solidifying his impact in contemporary art.
In 2023, Almas Art Foundation produced a documentary that offers a comprehensive exploration of Gerald Chukwuma's life and artistic journey. Known for his innovative use of recycled materials, particularly aluminum cans, the film details Gerald's early exposure to art, the influences shaping his style, and his unique creative techniques. Emphasizing environmental sustainability, he repurposes discarded materials while documenting and preserving cultural narratives. The documentary also captures Gerald's experiences in Lagos, Nigeria's vibrant art scene, reflecting the city's energy and creativity. Alongside the documentary, Almas Art Foundation also published the book "Together Together," further showcasing Gerald Chukwuma's impactful contributions to art and cultural preservation.
In 2024, Gerald Chukwuma was nominated for The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 with his work titled "Here and There." This nomination highlights his growing influence in the African contemporary art scene, recognizing his unique artistic approach and thematic explorations.
Established in 2022, the Gerald Chukwuma Art Prize, founded by artist Gerald Chukwuma, supports top painting graduates from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Motivated by his own artistic journey and inspired by Nsukka's rich creative heritage, Chukwuma provides a cash prize of N150,000 and a fully sponsored solo exhibition for the winner. This initiative not only honors the past but also launches the careers of young artists, embodying the Sankofa spirit of celebrating history while nurturing future talent. This art prize is in its third edition this year. In the same year, he was honored as an Art Ambassador of the Faculty of Art, University of Nsukka, Nigeria, at the maiden Faculty of Art Festival on October 25, 2023.
Gerald Chukwuma is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists. In November 2023, he was honored with a fellowship award. This prestigious recognition celebrates his outstanding success as an artist over the years, particularly his innovative use of materials such as recycled aluminum cans and his steadfast dedication to environmental sustainability. The award also acknowledges Chukwuma's leadership and profound influence within the art community, highlighted by his mentorship of numerous young artists who have trained under his guidance in his studio.
Chukwuma's work has been widely collected, including by prominent figures such as Tony Elumelu, Mo Abudu, and institutions like the University of Nigeria Nsukka, The Bunker Artspace Museum, Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), The Africa Centre Collection in London, and the USA Easton Capital/John Friedman Collection Hearst Corporation, among many others. His presence in these esteemed collections underscores his impact and recognition in both local and international art scenes.
Gerald Chukwuma is eagerly anticipating his return to school to delve deeper into the art world. His burning desire is to give back to the world by imparting his profound knowledge and expertise through teaching. He envisions immersing himself in rigorous academic programs and prestigious art residencies, hungry to expand his mastery of art theory, technique, and cultural contexts. These endeavors are not merely about personal growth; they are his catapult to mentor and ignite the raw passion of the next generation of artists. He wants to create a world where art transcends boundaries and unites humanity in a symphony of colors, shapes, and untold stories.