Why Iké Udé views the art of portraiture as a political intervention
In short: Nigerian artist Iké Udé uses high-fashion portraiture to dismantle Western stereotypes of Africa. Watch as he explores how his work transforms the stars of Nigeria's massive film industry into icons of radical beauty.
Udé’s work serves as a deliberate rejection of the 'debased' portrayals of Africans common in Western media. By blending clothing, props, and poses from diverse cultures, he creates a 'radical beauty' that asserts the power of African identities against centuries of Eurocentric erasure.
A central focus of his work is Nollywood, Nigeria’s $3 billion film industry, which began in 1992 with the film Living in Bondage. Udé elevates these 'power players'—who are often seen on DVD covers and posters—to the status of high art, using a performative style that balances classical composition with modern, bold aesthetics.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The radical beauty of Africa, in portraits | Iké Udé
- Also: The radical beauty of Africa, in portraits
- Also: Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits
- Also: Photographer Iké Udé Is Retelling Africa's Narrative With the Power of Portraiture
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