Video: Artist Talk with Ekene Emeka-Maduka | STAGES Speaker Series
On February 17th, 2023 Plug In ICA announced an artist talk by Ekene Emeka-Maduka, as part of the STAGES Speaker Series in anticipation of her temporary public artwork for the STAGES biennial in August 2023.
Ekene Emeka-Maduka is a visual storyteller based in Treaty 1, Territory 1 (Canada). She camouflages into characters in somewhat relatable backdrops that subtly subvert reality. She achieves relatability in her work through semiotics from mundane moments with commonplace significance in her home country, Nigeria, pit against moments potentially recognizable globally. Emeka-Maduka builds dramatic worlds that constantly question the version of reality we actively contend. She studies the relationship between self-identification and communal identity. The vessels in her work and their built universe are alive. They shed their skins through time, gradually becoming animated and birthing nuanced expressions, colours, and feelings relevant to ever-changing human conditions. Maduka’s works are shown locally and abroad. Most recently, at Lausanne Switzerland with Fabienne Levy Art Gallery and Untitled Fair Miami Beach.
Acknowledgements
We are on Treaty 1 Territory. Plug In ICA is located on the territories of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.
Plug In ICA extends our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors, valued members, and dedicated volunteers. We acknowledge the sustaining support of our Director’s Circle. You all make a difference.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canada Council, the Manitoba Arts Council and Winnipeg Arts Council. We could not operate without their continued financial investment and lobbying efforts.
Plug In ICA relies on community support to remain free and accessible to all, and enable us to continue to present excellent programs. Please consider becoming a member of Plug In ICA and a donor at https://plugin.org/support
For more information on this program and STAGES biennial, please contact: info@plugin.org or call 1.204.942.1043