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4.001

Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy

  • Skill Category: Art Legend
  • Present Address: Suffolk, England, UK
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Social media:

Biography

Chinwe Ifeoma Chukwuogo-Roy MBE (1952-2012) was a distinguished visual artist, born in Awka, Nigeria, and spent part of her youth in Ikom near the Cameroon border. She later moved to Britain in 1975. Her artistic works, encompassing paintings, prints, and sculptures, primarily revolved around figurative themes like portraiture, still-life, landscape, and narratives. One of her most notable achievements came in 2002 when she became the first of only two Nigerian artists, alongside Ben Enwonwu, to be granted permission to paint official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. This significant recognition brought her international attention. In 2009, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) as part of the Birthday Honours. Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy’s artistic journey began professionally in 1988. Her portfolio includes various high-profile commissions, such as portraits of notable figures like Emeka Anyaoku, Kriss Akabusi, and the Lord Mayor of Norwich. She also painted Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium in London for Martin Keown. Chukwuogo-Roy’s influence extended beyond her artwork. She represented the UK at the European Council Committee in Paris, offering expertise on Contemporary African Art and Artists in 2003. She also organized the “Celebrate” Exhibition for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Abuja in the same year. Her exhibitions spanned across Britain and internationally, showcasing her works in prominent venues. Her art is characterized by a predominantly figurative style, covering portraiture, still-life, landscape, and narrative subjects. Her portraiture work is often characterized by an optimistic or celebratory tone, although she also created pieces that evoke complex emotions, particularly in her Migrants series and African Slave Trade series. After a prolonged battle with cancer, Chinwe Ifeoma Chukwuogo-Roy passed away in December 2012 at her home in Hacheston, near Framlingham, Suffolk, leaving behind a legacy of impactful and thought-provoking art.

News / Ranking / Titbits / Awards

Chukwuogo-Roy won many awards and was featured prominently in the international media, both for her art and also for her charitable and educational work with young people. A biography entitled Chinwe Roy – Artist, published by Tamarind Books, is now studied by children in the UK as part of the National Curriculum. In 2003, Chukwuogo-Roy was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of East Anglia. In 2008, she was invited to address the Cambridge Union. In 2010 Chukwuogo-Roy was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to art.

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