Work samples
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Chidinma_Dureke_Malika_&_the_Haunting_Reflection.jpgAs featured in the Baltimore Sun, oil on canvas, 36in x 36in, 2014...this painting of a friend named Malika was my response to the stories that women and men carry that often go unsee. At the time of her portrait, Malika was on a spiritual journey. In this painting, she is depicted working with her unconscious mind to uncover the parts of herself that had been repressed and hidden from herself.
About Chidinma
Chidinma Dureke is a millennial mixed-media artist based in the Baltimore region and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Born in D.C. to parents of Nigerian descent, Chidinma was raised between Nigeria and the United States. Her unique cross-cultural perspective characterizes her art, which investigates and celebrates Black identity. Especially drawn to portraiture, Chidinma creates vibrant visual narratives that masterfully integrate elements of African art history, traditional… more
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Shipped And Sold
Over the course of two years, Nigerian-American artist Chidinma Dureke collected and considered everyday canned food items—each a familiar emblem of her Trans-Atlantic upbringing. These objects are mass-produced, mass-consumed, and eventually disposable. They are seemingly simple and mundane, yet provide a profoundly personalized lens through which Dureke asks a universal question: What is the value of the Black body?
From the history and legacy of American slavery to the continued exploitation of Blackness in today’s capitalistic culture, Shipped & Sold uses the motif of prepackaged goods to explore overarching themes of commodification and consumption. Drawing upon her own cross-cultural experience and identity, Dureke puts a fresh spin on the Pop Art aesthetic through a diverse selection of conversation-starting portraits and interactive sculptures.
From the history and legacy of American slavery to the continued exploitation of Blackness in today’s capitalistic culture, Shipped & Sold uses the motif of prepackaged goods to explore overarching themes of commodification and consumption. Drawing upon her own cross-cultural experience and identity, Dureke puts a fresh spin on the Pop Art aesthetic through a diverse selection of conversation-starting portraits and interactive sculptures.
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PeakOil and gold leaf on canvas, 30 x 40, (2021)
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Peak CANThis installation features a series of portraits and a supporting ground-fabricated sculpture installation titled "Peak CAN" made with metal, plastic, cardboard, fiberboard, steel, polyethylene, and archival inkjet print. The bottom of the sculpture is covered in sand and measured 35.5 x 22” (the average size of a shipping container) and was placed where viewers could carefully considered the can from all angles and even touched. From Africa to the Americas, the tin can is a ubiquitous vessel for the transit and sale of consumable goods. Typically, the surface of each can colorfully advertises the contents within. How do these mass-produced images shape our perception of what is actually inside the vessel?
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TITUSOil and metal leaf on canvas, 30 x 47.5”, (2021-22)
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Nilo Part 1Oil and gold leaf on canvas, 30 x 40” (2), (2021-22)
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Nilo Part 2Oil and gold leaf on canvas, 30 x 40” (2), (2021-22)
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Africa QueenOil and gold leaf on canvas, 30 X 40”, (2022)
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PBW (Protect Black Women)Oil and gold leaf on canvas, 36 x 36”, (2021-22)
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TOM TOMOil, acrylic and metal leaf on canvas, 30 x 40”, (2022)
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St. Louis Little Girl BlueOil, acrylic, and metal leaf on canvas, 30 x 40”, (2022)
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Shipped And Sold Solo Exhibit Water Video Loop
30 Portraits 30 Days
Over the month of December 2020, I decided to paint 1 portrait a day during the COVID-19 lockdown. Every portrait painting, 1-30 was completed in 30 days for the #30paintingsin30days art challenge.
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No.14oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.12Oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.15oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.16oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.18oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.21oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.23oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.24oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.25oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
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No.26oil on paper, 9 x 12, 2020
Relatively Distant
The first-generation experiences are unique and alone in their struggles and perspectives. Nigerian-American - far off or apart in space; not near at hand; remote or removed from the culture: a distant place; my maternal mother's town, miles distant from here. apart or far off in time: distant centuries past.
In The Studio With Chidinma Dureke
Documenting my work is a major part of my artistic process. Along the way filming my work has evolved to a form of journaling, storytelling and an extension of my paintings.
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Artist Studio Vlog | Painting Black Skin Tones + Art Show Chat
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Art Studio - How to Apply Silver Leaf Easily to Canvas
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Art Studio VLOG | TOM TOM & New Sketchbook Painting
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welcome to my art studio
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Paint With Me! Home Studio Views
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Chidinma Dureke's Exclusive Interview with Young Africa Media
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The Bloom of Chidinma Dureke Book