Artist Uche Amadi
About Uche Amadi
Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Uche Amadi began his quest for life by drawing with sticks and painting with mud as a youth. His inspiration for art came through his mother. "My mother would often demonstrate the basic fundamentals of sketching; while preparing for her students' daily chalkboard assignments in Owerri, where she taught school" Mr. Amadi stated. He further explained how he would assist his mother, drawing illustrations she would need for the classroom.
In 1991, Uche received his Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts at the University of Port Harcourt. While at the University studying, the young artist became influenced by famous artists such as Picasso (in use of cubes in expression), Van Gough (in textures), and Monet (in use of impressionism) to which all inspires Uche to create his own unique style using the Uli Practice. The Uli Practice is made up of traditional patterns and symbols used to decorate native houses with chalk. This practice is common in the eastern part of Nigeria, where Uche grew up. The “Nsibidi School of Thought” (art movement in the east) popularized this new form of art.
In 1999, Uche left Nigeria and relocated to Abidjan, Ivory Coast. There he started a small art business, “Strokes and Hammer.” In 2001, Uche received a certificate of merit and commission for his art work titled “VIVEZ L’ INSTANT COCA-COLA” from the Coca Cola Bottling Company (PLC) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Later that year, the American Chamber of Commerce in Cote D’ Ivoire sponsored an exhibition for Uche titled “Mirrors of Society.” There Uche displayed numerous works of art, such as: “Where Do We Go From Here” and “Who Will Care?”
In 2004, Uche relocated to the United States. Growing in popularity around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Uche participated in numerous exhibitions. In 2005, the Irving Cable Television Network show “About Towne,” featured Uche Amadi during their art segment for the Irving Art Center Exhibition, “In the Spirit: An Artistic Portrayal of Life.” Mr. Amadi displayed works of art that displayed portraits of Oprah Winfrey and Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Today, Uche has over 23 years’ experience in the art industry. He continues to explore personal, multidimensional, and complex images; illustrating how to combine art and reality; also what constitutes reality for him. He is now making plans for his next upcoming exhibition.