Victor Ehikhamenor, Moonsongs II, 2023

Victor Ehikhamenor (b. 1970 in Udomi, Nigeria) is a visual artist and writer celebrated for his dynamic and thought-provoking works that explore African cultural heritage, the experiences of the global African diaspora, and the postcolonial realities of his native Nigeria. His practice involves innovative techniques of creation and erasure—constructing figurative works through intricate perforations, complex illegible scripts, tears, and holes, as well as employing Catholic symbols. These methods result in compelling portraits of African people and depictions of African spaces, infused with layers of meaning and historical depth.

Ehikhamenor’s materials and iconography honor African traditions and histories while reflecting on the continent's colonial past and Nigeria's geopolitical complexities as an oil-producing nation. His works often merge figurative elements with symbols drawn from his Benin Kingdom heritage and Catholic upbringing. This duality creates narratives that speak to the intricate cultural and political realities faced by Nigerians, both historically and in contemporary contexts.

For over two decades, Ehikhamenor’s work has been exhibited widely across Europe, the United States, and Africa, earning him recognition for his ability to bridge the ancestral with the modern.

Moonsongs II (2023), exemplifies this dialogue between tradition and contemporary critique. Created using perforation and 24k gold leaf on handmade paper, the artwork portrays a luminous, circular moon filled with intricate, rhythmic patterns that evoke a sense of celestial energy and spiritual connection. Within this moon, two gold-leaf silhouettes—a man and a woman—stand side by side, their forms reduced to minimalist elegance. The figures symbolize a shared human experience, evoking themes of unity, intimacy, and reflection under the light of the moon.

The scene is further enriched by the faint suggestion of swirling motifs and perforated details that radiate across the lunar surface, echoing the sacred and intricate aesthetics found in African traditional art. Additionally, a small gold-leaf bird appears in the composition, perhaps as a nod to freedom, transcendence, or the interplay between the earthly and the spiritual. Together, these elements evoke the notion of an Africa illuminated by moonlight, reflecting resilience and simplicity amidst a world shaped by historical and contemporary challenges.

Victor Ehikhamenor Nigeria, b. 1970

Join our mailing list

Maruani Mercier

Privacy Policy

Contact

Cookie preferences

Join our mailing list

Victor Ehikhamenor Nigeria, b. 1970

Further images

Exhibitions