Q&A with Salma Uche-Okeke: Art & Legacy

“The legacy doesn’t sit on a shelf - it breathes, it speaks, it travels.” 

Uche Okeke, Untitled, 1974, Linoprint. © Uche Okeke Legacy.

Q: If Uche Okeke were here today, what do you think he’d say about the place of art in Africa and the world? 

A: This is an interesting question. While I do think he would be happy and excited to see an increase in discussion and involvement in some areas of art, I think he would say there is still more work to be done - especially in response to the many tragic events occurring both in Africa and the world. 

He believed art - and more so, creativity - plays a vital role in the human psyche, spirit, and community, and I think he would say that more people should utilise it to instigate much-needed change for the wellbeing of the global populace and planet. 

Q: For readers who may not know him, how would you describe Uche Okeke’s contribution to African modernism? 

A: Significant, versatile, and spiritual. 

His focus was on creativity as a whole, which to Okeke - especially being of Igbo ancestry - was the very spirit of life. This meant that his contributions touched not only the physicalness and by-product of African modernism, but also: 

• the processes of creation, 
• documentation and dissemination, and 
• the expansion of what was considered important and relevant - such as cultural practices, skills, and beliefs - throughout the movement itself. 

Q: What aspects of his philosophy or practice feel most urgent to carry forward today? 

A:

• The practice of record-keeping and dissemination is vital for longevity. 
• The philosophy of Natural Synthesis, which encourages learning and growth from both the modern and traditional, is critical for carrying history forward authentically. 
• And the practice of care and upliftment of communities and their uniqueness, which is key to Natural Synthesis, is sorely needed in our modern times. 

Q: How do you balance preserving history with making it engaging for contemporary audiences? 

A: To preserve history, we must bring it into the present moment and adapt to the current language. 

The nature of Okeke’s life and work means we have many young people, students, and scholars in our community, but the longevity of his legacy means we also have older generations who were present at the time and are strongly passionate about this work. 

To keep the balance, we bring fresh eyes and voices into the conversation through our partnerships and endeavours, while maintaining Uche’s authentic voice and vision that sparked the revolution all those years ago. 

Q: You’ve been developing a digital presence - website, podcast, archives. What has been the impact so far? 

A: It has been incredible. This digital world is tricky to navigate and comes with many hurdles, but we recognised long ago the importance of stepping into this space. Uche Okeke prized accessibility, and through these digital endeavours we have been able to connect with many from all over the globe. 

This has increased access to and knowledge of not only his work and philosophies, but also those of his peers and of far older practices, traditions, and cultures - and with good reception. We have encountered many who have been touched by our recent work, and we are grateful to be able to impact so many, as he did. 

Q: What inspired the creation of the Uche Okeke Legacy Foundation? 

A: The Uche Okeke Legacy’s mission is directly inspired by Uche Okeke himself, who initiated this project in 1958 with the establishment of his Cultural Centre in Kafanchan. The Centre quickly evolved into the Asele Institute, entirely his brainchild. 

Following Uche Okeke’s passing in 2016, his family made the decision to continue his work. After appropriate legal consultations, The Professor Uche Okeke Legacy Limited was officially registered in 2019 with the purpose of supporting the Asele Institute in perpetuating Uche Okeke’s vision. 

Q: How important is technology in making Uche Okeke’s story accessible globally? 

A: Technology is vital. We are no longer limited by borders. It allows us to connect with anyone who is interested in this great work from our very homes and offices, bringing the message forward in a modern, updated, and far-reaching way. 

Uche Okeke, Anunu, 1972, Linoprint. © Uche Okeke Legacy.

Q: What role do partnerships (like with Artfundi, cultural institutions, or galleries) play in achieving your mission? 

A: These are vital. Partnerships were foundational to much of Uche Okeke’s work and legacy, and we strive to continue that. They enable: the practical sharing of knowledge and resources, support, encouragement, and community. They have been - and will continue to be - a keystone of the Uche Okeke Legacy. 

Q: How do you envision engaging the younger generation with Uche Okeke’s work? 

A: We are bringing the younger generation into the conversation through our podcast Coffee & Uche Okeke, and through co-creation opportunities. 

They are crucial to the future, and interestingly, Uche Okeke’s work and philosophies resonate deeply with them. We hope to be launching a few new projects that we believe the younger generation will be excited about and that will further enable accessibility to his work. Columns #2