Episode #72: The Art of Reclaiming The Niger-Delta

Описание: What happens when an artist picks up a brush not just to paint—but to reclaim history? In this episode we journey into the world of a Port Harcourt-born artist whose exhibitions reimagines the life and legacy of King Jaja of Opobo.

Through vivid portraiture, sculptural installations, and a deep engagement with Niger Delta heritage, hos work challenges colonial narratives and celebrates indigenous resistance. But beyond the canvas lies a bigger question: Can art help us rebuild identity, inspire development, and shape the future of a region long defined by struggle?

This is The Art of Reclaiming The Niger-Delta—a conversation about creativity, courage, and the power of storytelling to transform society. Again, today, the topic on Canvas is “The Art of Reclaiming The Niger-Delta.” And my guest is Ibim Cookey.

Ibim Cookey is a multidisciplinary Nigerian artist from Port Harcourt whose work blends historical narrative, cultural identity, and architectural form. His debut solo exhibition, King Jaja, explores the life and resistance of King Jaja of Opobo, reclaiming a suppressed chapter of Niger Delta history through vivid portraiture and sculptural installations. Cookey’s work has been showcased globally—from Lagos and London to Miami, Athens, and Cape Town—earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most compelling contemporary voices in art.