In the bustling heart of Nigeria, a majority of recycling is managed by smaller entities, often resulting in waste crowding waterways and overburdened landfills. However, for 37-year-old Chibuike Ifedilichukwu, this discarded waste presents a canvas of opportunity. He crafts striking celebrity portraits using thrown-away aluminum cans, offering a profound commentary on Nigeria’s waste management.
His profound environmental awareness can be traced back to his childhood years with his grandmother in Anambra state, located in southeastern Nigeria. Schooling in Anambra, he acquired the skill of weaving. Yet, it wasn’t until a serendipitous discovery in 2021, when he chanced upon discarded plastic strips at an antenatal clinic with his wife, that he started blending his craft with upcycled materials. This fusion birthed a distinctive artistic style, as Ifedilichukwu noted, “I discovered that no one else approached art in this manner.”
Crafting with Consciousness
Operating from Awka city, Ifedilichukwu’s artwork encompasses a myriad of materials ranging from aluminum, wood, metal, and plastic, to copper wires, ropes, bullet shells, and even injection bottles – the latter being donated by local hospitals.
The local dumpsters serve as a unique treasure trove for his art supplies. While scavenging, he sometimes attracts puzzled looks. “Some see me as unhinged,” he shared, “but this is both my livelihood and my way of promoting environmental awareness.”
His artistic process is meticulous: after retrieving the materials, he cleans and disinfects them. Aluminum cans are flattened and carved into strips, which are then intricately woven to create a canvas. His subjects are etched using a pen. He then uses the vivid exteriors of the cans to bring life to the portraits. Drawing inspiration from the weaving techniques of his Igbo heritage, termed “nka-ute,” each masterpiece can take a fortnight to complete.
His gallery boasts portraits of renowned figures like Cardi B, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Don Jazzy. He envisions focusing on environmentally-conscious celebrities, having already captured Afrobeats icon Davido, who’s affiliated with conservation entity, WildAid.
A Vision Beyond Art
Wearing multiple hats as a photographer, designer, printmaker, and curator, Ifedilichukwu has crafted over 40 upcycled pieces, capturing attention both offline in exhibitions and online on social platforms. His artworks have fetched prices as high as $1,000.
However, for him, the pinnacle of success lies in shifting societal perspectives on waste. He dreams of creating a community-focused art hub, mentoring aspiring artists to champion environmental causes.
Despite the physical challenges – the occasional cuts from cans or craft tools – Ifedilichukwu remains undeterred. “The wounds will heal,” he said, adding, “Each cut echoes the potential harm discarded waste can inflict on our environment.”
Chibuike Ifedilichukwu stands as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with waste management issues. Through the tapestry of his art, he not only brings attention to the mounting waste problems but also showcases the potential lying within what’s often discarded. As he transforms trash into masterpieces, Ifedilichukwu offers a vivid reminder that with creativity and purpose, we can find beauty and meaning in the most unexpected places, championing a sustainable future for all.
