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Artists of the first light

@artistsofthefirstlight

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A documentary series on the deepest and interesting artists creating meaning in the southeastern part of Nigeria. By @shutterwhore

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#artistsofthefirstlight came from my search for the deepest artists who I admire and who are making impact with their art in the southeast. I’m studying thé people whose works bring depth and meaning.

We will see them for who they are. These are artists creating in the East where the first light of the day comes from.

This whole series will be shot entirely on Helios 44 lenses. Pushing myself with an old manual vintage lens to better keep things natural and true. It’ll be an interesting journey and I’m delighted to share every step of it.

Having the opportunity to study Sunday Chukwu, @chukwuartempire is the highlight of the month. From his popular work on the Ijele masquerade statue to other amazing pieces. We kick off this documentary with an artist that I admire so much.

#art #artist #artistsofthefirstlight #sculpture taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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Title-IGBA NRI NA OFE — The Benevolent Drum That Gives
Medium-Steel
Dimension- 6ft
2026

In Igbo folktale, when a great famine descended upon the land, the tortoise set out in search of a solution. In the course of his journey, he discovered Igba Nri Na Ofe the drum of food and provisions.

This was no ordinary drum. It was believed to be a gift from the spirits; whenever it was beaten, food and other necessities were provided for the person who played it and for the community in which it was played. It became a symbol of provision, abundance, generosity and benevolence.

This latest piece speaks to a truth that resonates deeply with our journey through life: there are often benevolent forces behind the things we are able to accomplish, there are people, opportunities, circumstances and unseen acts of kindness that give rhythm to our journey and make our voices heard.

We have received support that has given our work a voice and that voice is now dancing in the open.

Perhaps, therefore, the greatest responsibility is to remain grateful to the benevolent drummers who have helped us discover the beautiful voices within us.

IGBA NRI NA OFE is a celebration of giving, support, gratitude and the beautiful things that become possible when someone chooses to beat the drum for another.
SC taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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DID YOU KNOW? That while Sunday was working on the famous Ijele Sculpture, he had a dream (trance) where different Ijele masquerades performed while he watched. A lot of the details that would later grace the sculpture and make it acceptable across Igbo land, came from both the research and that dream.

Sunday believed one must be the same with his art, speak with the art and allow the art lead and communicate what it wants to become.

As we get closer to his film, I’m completely convinced of the trueness of his art and the genuine love and humility with which he follows his spirits. taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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Most of Sundays works seek to glorify and celebrate women. From works like “Mama Ejima” to this piece which is a part of his “Umuada collection”, Sundays works puts women at the heart of our lives and society.

Throughout history Women have been the very fabric holding life together and Sundays works puts them in the light They deserve.

We spoke about how women barely get 7 days out of the month to be normal. Yet Théy power through daily activities of being human. We agreed on how much power women have, a strength that is unimaginable and a perseverance that holds us all together.

Mgbe Ụfọdu, ha n’eme Ka ndi agwụ n’akpa, mana ọdighi Ihe anyi puri ime na nwanyi anọghị ya

#artistsofthefirstlight taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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Here are 5 facts about sculptor Sunday Chukwu:

1. He created a record-breaking 30-foot Ijele masquerade sculpture.
One of Sunday Chukwu’s most celebrated works is a monumental 30-foot metal sculpture of the Ijele masquerade, a revered symbol of Igbo culture. The artwork reinterprets this traditional cultural icon within contemporary African art.

2. He specializes in large-scale metal sculptures.
Rather than using wood or stone, Chukwu primarily works with steel sheets and rods, welding and fabricating monumental sculptures that explore African history, identity, and cultural heritage.

3. He originally planned to become a medical doctor.
During secondary school, Chukwu focused on the sciences and intended to study medicine. His passion for art later led him to pursue sculpture instead, eventually studying Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin.

4. He is both an artist and an educator.
In addition to creating sculptures, Chukwu serves as a lecturer in sculpture at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, where he teaches and mentors emerging artists. He also directs The N Art Gallery in Enugu.

5. He received a regional distinction for his contributions to sculpture.
In 2023, Sunday Chukwu was recognized as the “Most Distinguished Sculptor in Southeastern Nigeria,” acknowledging his impact on contemporary Nigerian sculpture and cultural preservation.

#artistsofthefirstlight #art #sculpture taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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The study of @chukwuartempire took us to IMT (institute of management and Technology Enugu) where he teaches in the arts faculty. I was thrilled to see the beautiful works done by students and old students of the institute.

Art makes life a lot more tolerable and as we look at Sunday, and the school where he makes impact, we also look at the amazing people who has contributed to the growth of art in the Southeastern Nigeria.

#artistsofthefirstlight #sculpture #art taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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We who wrestle with God

#artistsofthefirstlight taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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The wood bender @ejioforsamson . Samson makes art with wood. I am delighted to have started studying him. When a furniture becomes art and a bigger part of a space, you can only marvel at the artist who made them. From humble beginnings un University of Nigeria Nsukka to becoming a leading name in the curvy furniture space, Samson is one with his art and his chi.
Going on to make furniture for people like @obi_cubana @cubana_chiefpriest @osuofia_nkemowoh and others.

Samson belived in just focusing on one’s craft without the need to try to hurry destiny, to take time and to learn and grow and master the craft. Now he trains new hands and keeps setting thé boundaries for wood work in Enugu and Nigeria. #artistsofthefirstlight by @artistsofthefirstlight

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Being present and watching @ejioforsamson do his job would make you understand why these aren't just seats. #artistsofthefirstlight taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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Sundays latest piece Title- GOLIBE

Medium- Steel
Dimension- 8ft
2026
From the Umuada Series

She stands not merely as a woman, but as a living pillar of justice, dignity, and continuity. GOLIBE is a tribute to the Umuada the revered daughters of the land whose wisdom, courage, and moral authority have, for generations, sustained the social fabric of Igbo communities.
With quiet strength and unwavering resolve, the Umuada have served as custodians of peace, defenders of truth, protectors of family values, and guardians of cultural heritage. They intervene where conflicts arise, reconcile divided hearts, preserve sacred traditions, and remind every generation that no community can flourish without honour, compassion, and accountability.

In celebrating GOLIBE, we celebrate every woman whose sacrifices often go unnoticed yet whose influence shapes families, strengthens communities, and preserves the soul of our people. They are the silent architects of harmony, the keepers of memory, and the enduring voice of conscience.

This sculpture stand as a timeless monument to the Umuada, women of immeasurable worth, whose legacy reminds us that a society rises to greatness when it honours the wisdom, resilience, and dignity of its daughters.

“When the Umuada stand, justice finds its voice; when they speak, peace finds its home; and when they lead, the legacy of a people is preserved for generations yet unborn.”

#artistsofthefirstlight taken in Enugu, Nigeria by @artistsofthefirstlight

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