Christopher Ankeli

Born in March 1972, Christopher hails from Kaduna, in the northern part of Nigeria and is from a family of 9 children. He graduated with a Higher National Diploma in painting from Kano State Polytechnic in 2003 and has been in the art practice since. Although he studied in Kano, he received most of his training and exposure to art from Ahmadu Bello University where he had his industrial training. While there, he had the privilege of working under some renowned names in the northern art scene, including a period of tutelage under Professor Tony Okpe, professor of sculpture at the Ahmadu Bello University

Christopher's northern roots influence his art practice, especially his landscape paintings. His influences also stem from the loss of his mother, channelling this tragedy to create paintings that communicate strength, resilience and character. His work predominantly involves using paint; however, he likes to explore adopting unconventional materials such as coconut shells, found clothing material and sawdust for his art pieces. Watercolours are also preferred media for Ankeli particularly for his landscapes, offering a different perspective to his playful and somewhat cartoonish portrayal of family life.

He has taken part in several group exhibitions within and outside Nigeria. Alongside three other young contemporary male Nigerian artists, Ankeli is a founding member of the Ayobo art Colony in Lagos, named after the suburb community where these four artists reside and work. He is a full-time studio artist and lives in Lagos

Artist Statement

I am a mixed media artist whose work explores the use of found objects in making social commentary as I believe the role of the artist extends beyond the realm of aesthetics. My works explore social themes, using techniques and approaches that seek to highlight and interrogate the asymmetry that exists in society.

Group Exhibitions

October 2016: Oreze II Kings Crowd One's Palace, Onitsha.

December 2015: Sharing Experiences, Oak Garden Cultural Centre, Lagos.

September 2015: Thought in Lines, Alliance Francaise, Lagos.

November 2010: She moves on, NKA Creations, Abuja.

October 2010: Here and Now, Iroko Art Consultants, New Jersey.

June 2010: Experience Nigeria, Italian Embassy, Abuja.

April 2010: Evolving Currents, Iroko Art Consultants, Abuja.

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