An outstanding artist of international repute, Professor Uche remains one of the pillars on which contemporary Nigerian art rests, and the unarguable kingpin of Uli art practice in Nigeria.

Uche Okeke was born on April 30 1933 in Nimo, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Between 1940 and 1953, he attended St. Peter’s Claver’s (primary) school, Kafanchan; Metropolitan college, Onitsha and Bishop Shanahan  College, Orlu, during which time he had already begun to demonstrate an avid interest in drawing and painting. It certainly is difficult to encapsulate all of Uche Okeke’s activities and contributions in contemporary art in a brief sketch such as this one. Beginning from the 1950s, he has literally traversed the landscape of modern art in Nigeria leaving in his stride bold, remarkable and enduring footprints which have inspired many Nigerian artists and Africanist art historians, including some of the world’s avant garde.