THE NEIGHBORHOOD
An Inaugural Group Exhibition
by Uzo Njoku
Over the past three years, Uzo Njoku (b. 1996) has dedicated her artistic focus to creating structural paintings capturing the essence of various communities, collectively termed as her "Neighborhood Series." The inception of this series involved portraying row houses in Washington, DC, where Uzo brought vibrancy to her art by depicting people from displaced communities in the city.
As the Neighborhood Series approaches its conclusion, Uzo seeks to extend the platform to 13 other artists. Through an open call, she invites these artists to interpret and express their own perceptions of community. This upcoming exhibition aims to transcend the conventional, transactional nature of art presentations. Uzo, functioning both as a practicing artist and a curator, endeavors to move beyond the traditional confines of public exhibitions. Her intention is to foster a more engaging and supportive environment for emerging artists at the early stages of their careers, providing not only space but also encouragement and opportunities for creative expression.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Artist block is not a familiar feeling to Uzo Njoku. It is also something she doesn’t allow for as her time is of the essence. Her dynamic way of working means that she switches between different materials and mediums comfortably and with intent. Each process employed informs each of her creative endeavours. When she can’t or doesn’t want to paint, she’ll tuft rugs, sew, or make patterns. Individual outcomes then reappear in the larger and more finalised artworks. Her symbols and motifs reoccur; the ideas come full circle. In this case, Njoku’s work has the familiar distinction that a cohesive brand would. Once accustomed to the artist’s signature style, one would recognise her artwork in any context.
David Hockney, one of Njoku’s influences, also carries this unique distinction. His work is recognisable yet not without nuance and shifts in mood. Njoku celebrates the way Hockney’s work has developed over the course of his career, and always strives to welcome and embrace change in her practice. This includes accepting mistakes and flaws, whilst remaining open and transparent.
Njoku feels strongly that art shouldn’t be limited to a canvas. With the art world’s lack of accessibility in mind, the artist challenges herself to find alternative ways in which art can enter the home or be lived with at an affordable price. A brief stint at Central St. Martins (UAL) in London taught her vigour and the importance of approaching art from a multitude of angles. It was during her time there that she saw the possibility of being both a highly regarded fine artist and a successful commercial designer. The high concentration of craft’s people in the city and at CSM itself opened her eyes to this.
GALLERY HOURS
2100 L ST NW
@ thaddeus Stevens School (IN PARTNERSHIP W/ AKRIDGE)
on display:
MON, feb 26TH THRU
sun, apr 7TH, 2024
CLICK HERE FOR gallery hours & TICKET INFORMATION
*ENTRANCE ON CORNER
*BUZZ FOR ACCESS
ARTIST BIO
Born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in the USA, Uzo Njoku (b. 1996) is a breakout painter and determined business woman set on bridging the gap between fine art and the commercial world of design. Having received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Studio Art in 2019, she is now enrolled in the MFA programme at the New York Academy of Art. Surprisingly, Njoku originally registered to study Statistics at university, yet switched majors as her artistic interests and talents became more apparent. One of Njoku’s art heroes Njideka Akunyili Crosby followed a similar path. This encouraged her to transfer courses, and she has since keenly followed Akunyili Crosby’s successful career.
Njoku, however, considers herself to be coasting in her own lane, paving a path that suits her unique way of working. Due to a lack of funding, Njoku started making and selling prints to financially support herself whilst at college. Her early works were well received and widely collected. Almost overnight, her business came into being.
GROUP EXHIBIT FINALIST
POWERED BY
