Nkem Okwechime (He/Him)

I’m a Glasgow based, South London born, Scottish-Nigerian artist and printmaker. I use printmaking, photography and texile to produce both my African influenced designs and studio prints through my brand M.R.L.C.

The context of my work is documenting and celebrating my identity. I think artists narrate a personal story using themselves, their history and their surroundings to create a unique view of our existence.  We recognise ourselves in our surroundings. I am using my identity as a person, both divided and brought together by several cultures to observe, document and most of all, celebrate my environment which is was the main focus for my degree show installation.

In my work I am trying to show there is a vision that is based in my black cultural background and community without compromising – another voice to expose the beauty in the ordinary and a perspective which connects mixed/black working-class culture and the world of fine art and beyond.  Although I see my work as deliberate social commentary, I hope it is beautiful to look at, highlighting and celebrating traditional African culture alongside images of a strong and positive current British culture and community.