Odinakachi Okoroafor (b. 1989, Abia, Nigeria) is a mixed media artist who lives and works in Enugu, Nigeria. Okoroafor grew in Abakpa—a suburb in Enugu state Nigeria. He started drawing out of jealousy in primary school in an attempt to topple his classmate who has become popular in the class, if not the entire school, because of his drawings. From there, what started as a challenge turned out to be what he grew to be in love with.

Consequently, he enrolled into Painting and Decorating department in Government Technical College Enugu, from whence his art has grown to what it is today. He obtained NCE in Art Education (painting and Graphics) from Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET). He also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

My subject matter is usually female. Perhaps, this is because I grew up very close to my mum and I am aware of what she passed through. I celebrate and tell her stories, using screen printing techniques, linocuts, transfers, acrylic paints, inks and brush on canvas.

Using imagery from my childhood and community as a point of departure, I examine the Black figure through the lenses of daily life and social and political struggle. Barcode lines feature prominently in my compositions, appearing as clusters that comprise the figures of my painting’s featured subjects.

Akin to scars physical and symbolic, these automated lines confront complex histories of the body as a commodity, both historically and in present-day contexts.

You can place an order here with the details of the artwork.