About

Udeaku Chikezie is a Communications Specialist, Educator, Researcher, and multi-disciplinary Artist who works in design, fashion, painting, and photography.

In 2000, she graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a B.A. degree in Fine and Applied Arts (Painting Major). As an emerging Artist, she boldly began exploring painting on fabrics and other fusions of Art and Fashion. Through this, she amplified her connections to the ancient Uli and Nsibidi symbols which feature prominently in her works.

Her first international exhibition began with an award from Agora Gallery, where she exhibited photographic works which gave a glimpse of life in Nigeria. Following a representation by Agora, she participated in several exhibitions at New York Public Library, HUN Gallery, West Side Arts Coalition New York, etc. She also received the City Artist Corps and other Art awards.

In 2004, through a serendipitous detour into corporate communications, she gravitated toward the journalistic aspects of photography. Over time, her interest in reportage morphed into a deeper interest in capturing human life conditions. She has published a couple of photography books and is working on another, “Africa – The Labyrinth of Textures, Colors, & Taste.”

In 2017, Udeaku graduated from the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom, with an M.A. degree in Diplomacy and International Relations. Since then, she has continued exploring her research interests in Security Studies, Statecraft, Cybercrime, terrorism, humanitarian diplomacy, and peace studies, as well as legal and ethical concerns of new technologies in weaponry.

Udeaku presently serves as a communications consultant, a rostered UN Photographer and Educator on Art, Design, Fashion and Photography.