In 2024, the art world is embracing sustainability, with eco-conscious practices becoming a central theme for artists. More and more creators are aligning their work with ethical values, using the arts as a powerful tool to address urgent environmental issues.
Natural materials like wood and textiles, along with recycled components, are increasingly integrated into artworks, making pieces not only visually striking but also environmentally friendly. This shift reflects a growing commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint of art production.
Several African artists are leading the charge in sustainable art, including El Anatsui, known for his intricate sculptures made from discarded materials, Ifeoma Anyaeji, Chibuike Ifedilichukwu, Yusuf Grillo, Ghada Amer, Ibrahim Afegbua, and Romuald Hazoumè. These artists are setting a strong example by transforming waste and overlooked materials into thought-provoking works that carry messages of sustainability and environmental awareness.
A Movement Shaping the Future
In recent years, environmentally sustainable art has emerged as a transformative force, where creativity meets environmental activism. This growing movement is reshaping the role of artists from passive observers to active participants in the global discourse surrounding climate change, sustainability, and environmental protection.
At the forefront of this movement are innovative works like Olafur Eliasson’s “Ice Watch”, which used melting ice blocks to highlight the urgent need to address climate change. The work starkly illustrated the rapid melting of polar ice, prompting viewers to reflect on the future of the planet. Similarly, Agnes Denes’ “Wheatfield – A Confrontation” transformed an urban landfill into a lush wheat field as a powerful commentary on land use, urbanization, and our relationship with nature. These projects, alongside many others, represent the growing influence of artists in sparking meaningful conversations about environmental conservation.
Nigerian artist transforms waste into captivating portraits.
One artist making waves in the realm of environmentally sustainable art is 37-year-old Nigerian artist Chibuike Ifedilichukwu, a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist who specializes in using waste materials like plastic and tin cans to create life-size, thought-provoking portraits. Ifedilichukwu’s work is a brilliant example of how art can turn environmental issues into a visual and tactile experience. His striking pieces convey a powerful message: waste, often considered a burden, can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful. His creations not only reflect the power of upcycling but also provoke viewers to rethink the true cost of waste and consumption in our daily lives.
Ifedilichukwu’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his commitment to sustainability and his Igbo heritage’s eco-conscious philosophy, “egbe belu, ugo ebelu” (live and let live). His works not only challenge the boundaries of traditional art but also encourage viewers to think critically about their role in environmental preservation. His recognition at key exhibitions like the Made In Nigeria Art Master Class/Exhibition (2021) and Sterling Bank Plc Recycle Art Competition (2017) has further cemented his reputation as a leader in environmentally focused art.
“When I go scavenging, people think I’m crazy,”
Ifedilichukwu
“I’m raising awareness,” says Ifedilichukwu, who creates intricate abstract pieces and portraits from discarded materials like aluminum, wood, plastic, metal, copper wire, and rope. His unconventional palette also includes bullet shells and injection bottles donated by community hospitals.
Local dumpsters serve as an unlikely art supply store for Ifedilichukwu. “When I go scavenging, people think I’m crazy,” he shares. “But I’ve turned it into a livelihood … and I’m raising awareness about the importance of creating a safe and sustainable environment.”
After sourcing materials, Ifedilichukwu begins by meticulously washing and disinfecting his finds. Aluminum cans are cut open and flattened, transformed into strips with a craft knife, and interwoven to create a base canvas. He then sketches portraits onto this surface and interlocks the colorful sections of the cans into the artwork, employing a weaving method inspired by the Igbo tradition of “nka-ute,” or mat weaving. Each piece can take up to two weeks to complete.
His work has depicted prominent figures like American rapper Cardi B, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and music mogul Don Jazzy. Looking ahead, Ifedilichukwu plans to focus on eco-conscious personalities such as Greta Thunberg and Leonardo DiCaprio. One of his recent creations includes a portrait of Afrobeats star Davido, known for his conservation efforts with WildAid.
Chibuike Ifedilichukwu’s “Choke” shows Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Davido.Chibuike
The Role of Art in Shaping a Sustainable Future
Chibuike Ifedilichukwu, a multidisciplinary artist specializing in photography, graphic design, printmaking, and curation, has made a significant mark with his upcycled art. To date, he has created over 40 unique pieces that have been showcased in both national and international exhibitions. These works, blending creativity with environmental consciousness, have garnered widespread attention on social media and fetched prices as high as $1,000 each.
For Ifedilichukwu, true success lies beyond commercial acclaim. He sees it as the intersection where his art fosters a shift in societal attitudes towards waste. “Success, for me, happens when people become environmentally conscious and adopt proper waste management practices—whether as individuals or through governmental initiatives,” he shares. His long-term vision includes establishing a community-based art gallery dedicated to training emerging artists in environmental advocacy.
Despite the acclaim, Ifedilichukwu’s creative journey comes with personal challenges. His hands bear the scars of his dedication, often cut by sharp-edged materials like cans, wires, and tools. Though he wears gloves, injuries are a frequent occurrence. Yet, for him, these wounds are emblematic of his message: “It’s not a problem for me. It will heal,” he says. “In a way, it’s part of the narrative. I experience the pain that this waste could have inflicted on the environment.”
This deep connection between personal sacrifice and environmental activism underpins Ifedilichukwu’s art, making it not just visually compelling but a powerful call to action for sustainability.