Ifeoma

About the 2023 individual/collective Exposure grant: This $20,000 grant supports Ifeoma’s work on the series “We All Carry Our Own World,” which is meant to literally express what those around us may be carrying, whether it is heavy or light, joyful or harmful. If we could literally see the world each of us is carrying when we interact with them, how would we see it? How would it affect our interactions?

Ifeoma strives to authentically and unapologetically express herself and the complexities of her culture of Black American and Nigerian roots.

“While exploring the cultural identities for myself, my goal is to come to a deeper sense of understanding and acceptance of who I am as an artist with all of the layers that make up my own existence,” she says. “In what ways do I limit myself, and how can I expand beyond my own boundaries? The body of works I seek to create is just as much a challenge to my own mindset as it is a challenge to others.”

Ifeoma aims to inspire others to see their own potential, despite what may be widely portrayed as the Black community regionally and across the globe, because oftentimes, even globally, “our reputation precedes us and sometimes those presentations are limiting.” To have an inner knowing that one is limitless in what can be accomplished helps to combat the limits and pressures that other communities may inadvertently place on them.

Ifeoma’s goal is to finish at least 10 new pieces and the Exposure grant will go toward an art studio space, photography and framing services.