Talent

0.000

Nike Davies-Okundaye

Biography

Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, also known as Nike Okundaye, is a highly regarded Nigerian artist specializing in batik and adire textile design. Born around 1951 in Ogidi, Nigeria, she was immersed in the rich tradition of Yoruba weaving and dyeing from a young age, learning techniques from her family members who were skilled artisans. She spent part of her early years in Osogbo, a prominent cultural center in Nigeria, which further influenced her artistic development. Throughout her career, Davies-Okundaye has been a prominent advocate for traditional Nigerian textiles. She conducted workshops on these techniques in the United States and Europe for over two decades. In 1968, she held her first solo exhibition at the Goethe Institute in Lagos. She is also the founder and director of four art centers, providing free training to numerous young artists in various visual and performing arts disciplines. Recognizing the diminishing practice of traditional weaving and dyeing in Nigeria, Davies-Okundaye embarked on a mission to revive this crucial aspect of Nigerian culture. She established art centers that offer free courses, preserving and passing on these valuable skills to younger generations. Her work often combines elements from Yoruba history, mythology, and her own life experiences. Davies-Okundaye’s textiles reflect both personal narratives and broader social themes, particularly those concerning the challenges faced by women. Through her workshops in southwest Nigeria, Davies-Okundaye empowers disadvantaged women by teaching them the intricate techniques of indigo cloth-dyeing, known as Adire. This tradition, characterized by intricate patterns and a resist-dyeing method, has its roots in the Southwest region of Nigeria. She sees this as a way to not only revive a centuries-old craft but also uplift the lives of these women. Her contributions to Nigerian art and culture have gained international recognition. Her work is featured in prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum, the Gallery of African Art, and the British Library in London. She holds honorary titles in Nigeria and was included in the 2019 exhibition “I Am… Contemporary Women Artists of Africa” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. Beyond her artistic achievements, Davies-Okundaye is a mother, philanthropist, and a mentor to numerous students worldwide.

News / Ranking / Titbits / Awards

Nike Davies-Okundaye is the recipient of honours from numerous esteemed cultural institutions. She has served on the UNESCO Committee of the Intangible Nigerian Heritage Project. She has been honoured as the CEPAN Foundation Art Icon of the year. Davies-Okundye has given workshops and lectures at universities world over.

Talent

Nike Davies-Okundaye

Biography

News / Ranking / Titbits / Awards

Interested in this talent?

Our Partner and Supporter