Anita-Praise Nweke

About

My name is Anita-Praise Nweke, a British-Nigerian artist born on April 30, 2002, in Lagos, Nigeria. I am deeply engaged in exploring the layers of my Black female identity and the complexities of my cultural hybridity. My creative journey is a continuous quest for self-discovery, aiming to unveil my true essence through my art.

My work delves into the intersection of my identity as a Black woman and the challenges that come with it. I focus on themes of Black female identity, highlighting the various perspectives through which society and media portray Black women. My art confronts society’s tendencies to dissect, deconstruct, and fetishizes Black women’s bodies, identities, and beings, revealing the frequent misrepresentations and abuse they endure. By doing so, I aim to challenge the glaring absence of Black women’s experiences in mainstream media, the arts, and society as a whole. Through my work, I strive to shed light on the complexities and richness of Black women’s lives, pushing against the boundaries imposed by societal norms and stereotypes.

A key element in my artwork is the Dutch Wax Fabric, known as ‘Ankara.’ I incorporate this fabric as a potent metaphor symbolising the intricacies of my identity as a Black woman with a dual cultural background. Its rich multicultural history adds depth to my artistic exploration, making each piece a statement of cultural and personal identity.

Art has always been an integral part of my life, passed down through generations of artists in my family. My art is a journey of self-discovery, allowing me to learn about my past and gain insights into my future. I draw inspiration from my identity: my Blackness, my Africanness, and my womanhood. Through my work, I seek to answer the enduring questions I face daily about my identity: learning about who I am, how I see myself, how the world sees me, and sharing this experience. What forms my identity? Is it more than skin deep?

I am currently a student at the Royal College of Art, studying Creative Education. My passion goes beyond art; I aim to make a positive impact on the Black community and shape the future generation. I aspire to be a mentor, encouraging students, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to explore their highest creative potential. My goal as an educator is to continue implementing and researching how integrating cultural elements into school activities can foster a sense of belonging, enhance student engagement, and build self-esteem.