Kelechi Chiwendu, (1997)

Kelechi Chiwendu Born in Nigeria in 1997, Kelechi, Chinwendu Kelechi is a self-taught artist whose work is based on reimagining the ancient Uri, Nsibidi, Mbari, and Ukara art, by creating story-based pieces that convey cultural ideas in a contemporary setting. Her work is centered on delivering a new kind of artform that has worldwide appeal whilst representing the Igbo traditional heritage and worldview. She was exhibited in 2021 at the African Artists Foundation, Lagos, where she was also an artist in residence from December 2021 to February 2022. She served as an illustrator for the hit social media movie Equiano.Stories where she created Uri and Ukara Ohuru illustrations in 2020 and 2022. She also served as Art Director for the short film "Swimming in a Sea of Trauma" created by Ugochukwu Azuya, which had its premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2023. She grew up in Umuahia, Abia State, is based in Nigeria, and lives and works in Umuahia, Abia State.