Chuck Gallery and One Man’s Tale of Resilience

From modest roots to becoming a champion of Nigerian visual arts in the UK, Chukwudi Onwudiwe’s odyssey is a tribute to the redemptive power of passion, perseverance, and creativity. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports 

“C

an you please wrap this painting for me?” 

These words—soothing and reassuring—must have had the effect of a morale booster on Chukwudi Onwudiwe, turning his otherwise dreary day around. As the founder of Chuck Gallery in Manchester, UK, Onwudiwe had navigated a sea of self-doubt since opening the gallery’s doors to the public in 2016. Yet, in this moment, he found the encouragement he needed to persevere. 

Indeed, there must have been days when the gallery felt like a desolate oasis, abandoned by the world out there and shrouded in an unsettling silence. The dreams that once burned bright, a radiant beacon guiding Onwudiwe’s path, now seemed to anchor him to the depths of despair.

But the Nigerian woman’s words changed the narrative. Unassuming and unpretentious, she had sauntered into the gallery, which had lately felt like a mausoleum of forgotten dreams. Though she did not fit the mould of the typical art connoisseur, her disarming simplicity had a calming effect on her host.

As they conversed, Onwudiwe discerned her deep understanding of art, corroborating her disclosure that she studied in Italy. She was soon navigating the gallery, scanning the exhibits intently. Her eyes lingered on each piece, as if absorbing every detail. Then, they rested on that one painting, the very same one Onwudiwe had thought was destined to gather dust, as she said, “That’s the one I want.”

The story began at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier institution, where Onwudiwe graduated with a BA in English. Even with his fascination for the arts—particularly visual and literary—during his time at the university, he remained an unlikely champion of Nigerian visual arts. 

However, his posting to Benin City for his National Youth Service Corps programme proved to be a catalyst. As he wandered through the ancient city, the flames of his passion for the arts flared to life. His encounter with the city’s renowned bronze sculptures and artefacts opened his eyes to a treasure trove of creative genius that deserved global recognition.

Egged on by his an insatiable thirst for the visual arts, Onwudiwe embarked on a whirlwind gallery-hopping in Lagos.  The Lagos Mainland-based Aaragon Gallery, where he discovered an array of art forms that broadened his horizons, was one of his notable stops. However, his funds fell short of his desires, and he often found himself coveting masterpieces that were financially out of reach.

Undeterred, he conjured up a plan to tap into the creative potential of students at prominent institutions like Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and University of Benin. Through informal discussions, he aimed to discover fresh talent and provide a platform for their work. Despite navigating a complex web of rejections and setbacks, his perseverance eventually paid off, and some students agreed to partner with him.

Thus began his next phase as an art dealer, marked by tireless efforts to showcase his collection to banks, secretariats, and offices. With each sale, no matter how modest, he felt a sense of accomplishment. And although he often had to part with pieces at a steal, the ripple effect of his hard work yielded a steady flow of income that ultimately rewarded him with a prized possession—his first car.

Fast-forward to 2002, and Onwudiwe’s Marvel Arts Gallery burst onto the scene, hosting biannual art exhibitions at Abuja’s iconic Transcorp Hilton. The who’s who of Nigerian high society flocked to these events, where the art world’s crème de la crème mingled with the country’s big cheeses. Those exhibitions featured a dazzling array of artistic talent, including the likes of Bolaji Ogunwo, Okey Ibeabuchi, and Suji Yoloye, to name just a few. His roster of featured artists boasted an impressive lineup of Nigeria’s burgeoning talents, including Damola Adepoju, Michael Dagold, Akintunde Shegun-Shiigo, Akhile Ehiforia, Seye Morakinyo, Lucky Isaiah, Norbert Okpu, Nelson Okoh, Awoyemi Ajibade, Ogaga Tuodeinye, Ralph Itsekor, and many more. 

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Chuck Gallery emerged from the legacy of Marvel Arts. This was after Onwudiwe’s academic stints. With a master’s degree in arts management, policy, and practice from the University of Manchester, he brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His tenure as a collections assistant at Salford Museum and Gallery was a masterclass in curation, where collaborative projects thrived under his guidance. The Visual Arts Collections team benefitted from his innovative approach, and the British Council Collection’s exacting standards honed his skills in artefact preservation. Interestingly, Onwudiwe’s academic journey had, in a delightful twist of fate, begun with an unlikely detour—a Bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Benin.

Running Chuck Gallery, meanwhile, is a labour of love, which is fraught with its own unique challenges. Yet, the rewards far outweigh the hurdles. As a happily married father of three daughters, Onwudiwe has had the privilege of collaborating with Nigeria’s brightest artistic talents, curating exhibitions that showcase their brilliance, and connecting collectors with the rich cultural heritage of Nigerian visual arts. 

Building on this momentum, with each new exhibition, his passion for promoting African art only grows stronger and stronger. As he looks to the future, Onwudiwe’s vision for the next five years is bold and ambitious. He is determined to expand Chuck Gallery’s impact, forge deeper collaborations, and reach new audiences. With plans to partner with galleries across the UK and internationally, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the global art scene. 

He is also eager to collaborate with more international artists, fostering cross-cultural exchanges that enrich the artistic dialogue between Africa and the world. To nurture the next generation of artistic talent, he will introduce innovative residencies and educational programmes.