Contemporary artist, Chika Idu, has unveiled a new body of works titled Pure Water, exploring environmental realities, nature and the human experience through a collection of paintings that place African women and children against submerged figures in a pristine underwater world. The solo exhibition, held in Lekki, Lagos, in partnership with SMO Contemporary Art, explores themes of ecology, history, migration, innocence and liberty, while drawing attention to the relationship between humanity and the environment.
Idu uses the title Pure Water as both a critical and ironic reference to his aspiration for a balanced world and the ubiquitous plastic “pure water” sachets consumed by millions of Nigerians, particularly in densely populated and polluted urban centres. The discarded sachets often clog drains and waterways, contributing to environmental degradation and creating hazards that affect the quality of life of residents.
