Exhale II, 2023

Chika Idu  

Chika Idu was born in 1974 in a village called Umunede in Delta state Nigeria, West Africa but his family moved to Lagos in 1979.

His gift was recognized at a very early stage and he was encouraged by his late father who opened a studio for him.

At the age of 15, he was already working on commissions while still in secondary school.

Following his uncle's advice, he chose to study art in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo state of Nigeria, which is said to be the most prestigious art academy in Nigeria.

In the year 2000, he opened his studio after graduating with a major in painting.

In 2002 Idu led a group of young artists in the establishment of a studio/art group called Defactori studio in Lagos, he would later leave the group in 2017 to establish a watercolour group he named sables in 2006.

He developed a technique that is influenced by the movement of light against visual imperatives and as he states that "since I don't see so clearly in human concept I will share with the world what i see and how I see".

According to Idu, "there are particles of dust all around us and each particle receives and deflects light".

His works are characterized by heavy texture and a hazy view. His major themes are children and women.

His studio is located in Ikorodu in Lagos, he also teaches art in the French international school in Lagos his works can be found in many private and public collections across the globe.