Egbeichi Okoro: My Artistic Endeavors Traverse Spectrum of Themes, Each Telling Unique Story

Egbeichi Egwu Okoro is an award-winning Nigerian fine artist with a background in law. She has explored various themes through her body of work, showcasing her ability to work with various mediums. As the CEO of Zinn Arts Gallery, Okoro, in this interview, talks about her career as an artist and how it impacts her work and aspirations

Can you take us through your journey as an artist with a background in law?

My journey as a fine artist with a background in law has been a dynamic exploration of creativity and legal acumen. Balancing both fields requires discipline, time management, and a deep passion for each pursuit. My legal background has instilled analytical skills and attention to detail, influencing my artistic process. The legal knowledge has enriched my artistic perspectives, allowing me to navigate complex themes.

What inspired you to become a fine artist?

Becoming a fine artist was a natural evolution, rooted in a familial legacy of artistic talent. Growing up surrounded by parents and siblings who were inherently skilled in fine arts, I absorbed their creativity and developed an innate passion for visual expression. This familial influence, coupled with my own inherent love for the craft, laid the foundation for my artistic journey.

Can you talk about the themes or subjects that you focus on in your work? 

Certainly! My artistic endeavors traverse a spectrum of themes, each telling a unique story. The “African Traditional Hairstyle Series” captures the cultural depth and beauty inherent in African hairstyling traditions. “Grateful Heart” visually expresses sentiments of gratitude through the artistic rendering of human figures. “Masking” encapsulates the resilience and adaptation demanded by the COVID-19 era. The portrayal of a rumpled naira notes serves as a poignant commentary on economic challenges, symbolising a struggling economy. Meanwhile, “Read My Mind” delves into the intricacies of non-verbal communication. These diverse themes collectively form a narrative that reflects my engagement with cultural, societal, and personal facets, inviting viewers to contemplate the layers of meaning within my body of work.

What has been the most significant achievement or recognition in your career as an artist and how did it impact your work and aspirations?

Having navigated a plethora of recognitions and achievements, pinpointing the most significant is daunting. The IU McKinney Art Event, where my piece “Grateful Heart” clinched both the best overall submission and best student submission awards was a standout moment. This dual triumph among submissions from brilliant artist professors, students, and faculty members resonates deeply with me. The event’s meticulous selection process, overseen by a discerning committee, highlighted the resonance of my work within the artistic community, and prevailing in two categories, especially considering the exceptional talent on display, is a testament to my exceptional prowess and abilities as a fine artist. Originating from a law school, these recognitions hold a distinctive significance as they symbolise a profound connection between my legal profile and my artistic pursuit, reinforcing my commitment to leverage on my legal background in navigating and exploring the intricate facets of my path as a fine artist. Similarly, being honored with the accolade of Artistic Excellence Award by the We Are Arts Group of Mid-Western America and being contacted by a representative of the Nigerian Embassy in Japan to have my works featured in their gallery based on the level of creativity embedded in my works were significant milestones. Winning the “54artistry N200k Reward Initiative” twice in a very competitive pool also stands out for me.

Which is your preferred medium of creative expression and why? 

While I work excellently well with other mediums, my preferred medium of creative expression is charcoal, whether in compact form or as dust, applied on paper. Charcoal allows me to achieve a unique blend of precision and spontaneity in my artwork and enables me to capture intricate details in different shades. The versatility of charcoal is particularly appealing to me. I can seamlessly transition from fine lines and delicate shading to bold, expressive strokes, adding a dynamic quality to my compositions. This proficiency makes charcoal my preferred medium for bringing my creative ideas to life.

You’re the CEO of Zinn Arts Gallery. What’s the idea behind Zinn Arts Gallery? 

The idea behind Zinn Arts Gallery is to establish a global artistic powerhouse, transcending geographical borders to become a hub for cultural exchange and economic influence through the arts. Zinn Arts Gallery aims to have branches in notable parts of the world and go beyond traditional gallery functions. In addition to being a center for art exhibitions, it will be a dynamic space that offers a spectrum of services, which includes art education and drawing sessions for all ages.

Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you would like to share?

While I’m currently in the planning stages for future projects and exhibitions, I’m excited to share that I’m exploring themes that delve into the intersection of culture, technology, and societal shifts. My aim is to create immersive experiences that resonate with a diverse audience.