James Iroha Uchechukwu (1972, Nigeria) is the leading light of a new generation of Nigerian photographers. Fusing the documentation of everyday reality with the creative language of imagery, he is expanding the possibilities of photography in the local context. His high quality images reflect the diverse realities of people who form the mix of cultures and influences in the megacity that is Lagos. Fire, Flesh and Blood, a body of work depicting open-air abattoirs, won the Elan Prize at African Photography Encounters (2005) in Mali. While documentary in inspiration, the series plunges the viewer into a chaos of colour, smoke and close-ups, capturing intense moments that are at once harsh, powerful and poetic. Uchechukwu was a founding member of the Depth of Field (DOF) collective of talented young photographers that have created strong exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad.
James Iroha Uchechukwu (Nigeria) works on a new project in Amsterdam during his stay at the Thami Mnyele studio in Nov - Dec 2008. James Iroha Uchechukwu is one of the 2008 Prince Claus Award Recipients.
www.uchejamesiroha.com
Instagram
The Mojo Gallery
Eva
Prince Claus Fund