As Lagos prepares to welcome art enthusiasts, collectors, curators, and cultural stakeholders to the highly anticipated “Here & Now: Becoming, Identity, Memory, and Environment” exhibition from June 12 to June 30, 2026, one of the artists whose works is expected to attract significant attention is contemporary visual artist Chisom Nichodemus, whose sovereign portraits offer a compelling exploration of African identity and cultural memory.
The exhibition, which brings together twenty contemporary African artists, examines the forces shaping Africa’s present and future through themes of becoming, identity, memory, and environment.
Adabekee’s contribution aligns closely with these themes, presenting works that celebrate Black dignity, resilience, ancestry, and self-worth while challenging historical narratives that have often marginalized African voices.
Born in Imo State and currently based in Lagos, Adabekee is a graduate of Fine and Applied Arts from the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State.
Through her distinctive style, which she describes as Contemporary African Sovereign Portraiture, she portrays African men and women as embodiments of royalty, strength, and cultural pride in a modern world.
Her works serve as visual testimonies to the enduring legacy of African civilization. Rich in symbolism, they feature cowries, regal garments, elaborate African hairstyles, and gold embellishments that speak to wealth, ancestry, beauty, resilience, and cultural continuity.
The subjects, often rendered in striking deep obsidian skin tones, engage viewers through direct gazes that demand recognition, reflection, and respect.
For Adabekee, the themes explored in Here & Now are not abstract concepts but lived realities. Her paintings delve into the ongoing process of identity formation, drawing from Africa’s collective memory while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary experiences.
They ask important questions about who Africans are today, how history has shaped that identity, and how cultural heritage can be preserved and celebrated in an increasingly globalized world.
Works such as Royal Blood, Stolen History, The Ebony Duchess, and Heir to the Silent Throne exemplify this artistic mission.
Through these evocative pieces, Adabekee reimagines African narratives, presenting Black subjects not as passive participants in history but as sovereign custodians of culture, memory, and destiny.
Her artistic vision is also deeply influenced by spirituality. The name “Chisom,” which translates to “God follows me” or “I walk with God’s presence,” reflects a faith-driven perspective that informs both her creative process and her understanding of purpose.
This spiritual foundation is evident in the calm confidence, dignity, and quiet power that characterize many of her subjects.
In this interview with AV1 News, Adabekee speaks about the inspiration behind her art, the role of spirituality in her creative journey, the symbolism embedded in her work, and her mission to reclaim and celebrate African identity through contemporary art.
She also reflects on the growing global recognition of African artists and her vision for the future of her practice as she continues to explore themes of history, identity, and cultural preservation.
AV1 News: Your work explores Black identity, sovereignty, and cultural memory. What inspired you to make these themes central to your artistic practice?
Chisom: My inspiration comes from a desire to celebrate Black identity, dignity, and the richness of African heritage that has often been overlooked.
AV1 News: You describe your paintings as “Contemporary African Sovereign Portraiture.” How did this unique artistic language emerge, and what does it mean to you?
Chisom: Contemporary African Sovereign Portraiture emerged from my passion for portraying Africans as symbols of strength, pride, and royalty in a modern context.
AV1 News: The name “Chisom” means “God follows me” or “I walk with God’s presence.” How has spirituality influenced your artistic journey and creative process?
Chisom: My faith gives me purpose, direction, and inspiration, influencing both my creative process and artistic journey.
AV1 News: Your portraits often depict figures who appear calm, regal, and deeply self-assured. What message are you conveying through this sense of quiet power?
Chisom: I want to show that true power does not always need to be loud; confidence, dignity, and self-worth can speak quietly.
AV1 News: Cowries, African-inspired hairstyles, gold detailing, and regal clothing feature prominently in your work. What stories do these symbols tell about African heritage and identity?
Chisom: These symbols represent wealth, ancestry, beauty, resilience, and the cultural legacy of African people.
AV1 News: Many of your paintings challenge historical narratives about Africa and Black identity. How do you see art contributing to the reclamation of cultural history?
Chisom: Art helps reclaim history by presenting narratives that celebrate African identity from an authentic perspective.
AV1 News: Your use of deep obsidian skin tones creates a striking visual impact. What significance does this aesthetic choice hold within your work?
Chisom: The deep obsidian skin tones honor Black beauty and challenge conventional standards of representation.
AV1 News: The subjects in your portraits often engage viewers with direct gazes. What role does eye contact play in the dialogue between your artwork and its audience?
Chisom: Eye contact creates a direct connection, inviting viewers into a personal conversation with the subject.
AV1 News: The exhibition is titled “Here & Now.” How does your work connect with the themes of becoming, identity, memory, and environment?
Chisom: My work reflects the ongoing journey of identity, memory, and self-discovery while remaining rooted in the present moment.
AV1 News: Your paintings seem to celebrate both ancestry and contemporary African identity. How do you balance honoring the past while speaking to present-day realities?
Chisom: I honor the past by drawing from African traditions while addressing contemporary experiences and realities.
AV1 News: Works such as Royal Blood, Stolen History, The Ebony Duchess, and Heir to the Silent Throne suggest powerful narratives. How do you develop the stories behind your titles and subjects?
Chisom: My titles often emerge from the emotions, symbolism, and stories that naturally develop during the creation process.
AV1 News: In an era where representation is increasingly important, what does authentic representation of Black identity mean to you as an artist?
Chisom: Authentic representation means portraying Black identity with honesty, dignity, depth, and complexity.
AV1 News: What emotions or reflections do you hope viewers experience when they encounter your work at the exhibition?
Chisom: I hope viewers feel pride, reflection, empowerment, and a deeper appreciation for African heritage.
AV1 News: Contemporary African art is gaining global recognition. What unique contributions do you believe African artists are making to the international art conversation?
Chisom: African artists bring unique perspectives, cultural richness, and powerful narratives that enrich the global art conversation.
AV1 News: Looking ahead, how do you see your artistic practice evolving, and what new themes or stories are you eager to explore in future works?
Chisom: I hope to continue exploring themes of identity, history, spirituality, and culturalpreservation through even more ambitious works.
