Nwakuso Edozien, a Nigerian-German currently based in the United States, takes on the concept of identity from a genealogical point of view, factoring in geographic and environmental influences. With an architectural background, she maps out her portraits and illustrations with layers of influence, creating three dimensional textures signifying depth and interconnectedness.

Johnson Eziefula, a graduating senior of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Lagos, adopts a more scientific approach in his analysis. In a series focused on what he has termed cultural hybridity. His hyper realist portraits emphasize the intersection of a myriad of influences brought about by colonization, globalization, and technological socialization on native communities and cultures.

Exploring the concept of light, Johnson celebrates the “melanated” vessels of his subjects, giving a glowing effect to thier skin.

Ify Chiejina, a first-generation Nigerian-American, considers the tensions of being raised African in a western society. Her works in this exhibition are part of an ongoing series of drawings, consisting mostly of self-portraits, each one representing different facets of her identity. Inspired by her mother who was a proud African fashion designer, Ify experiments with patterns, recreating the renown Ankara prints in each portrait.