Through winding corridors and past classroom doors, stands a crowd of smiling supporters, all circled around mathematics graduate student, Victory Chiamaka Obieke.
On Nov. 5, a reception for Obieke’s art collection titled, “Whispers of Home,” was held in the Little Gallery of Kidder Hall at Oregon State University.
When she first arrived on campus from Oraifite, Ekwusigo in Anambra State, Nigeria, Obieke found herself in nearly the same spot as the display’s reception, only she wasn’t experiencing the exuberant joy and pride that filled this opening day.
Obieke explained that years ago she sat outside the gallery, crying in confusion, overwhelmed with the transition to this new college in the United States.
Luckily, Helen Wilhelm, the director of the Little Gallery noticed Obieke and offered her supportive guidance, and the two have stayed connected ever since. Today, Wilhelm beams with pride while detailing each of Obieke’s culture-centric artworks to gallery visitors.
The artist’s favorite piece in the collection is titled, “Mountains of Knowledge: A Personal Journey.” The painting represents another struggle she faced: failing her qualifying exam for the doctoral program at OSU. The painting portrays a female figure at the base of a mountain of books. Dark colors loom throughout every inch of the piece, representing the pain that Obieke felt throughout this setback. This moment was crucial to Obieke’s development as a student, as she did not let it deter her from her goal of pursuing a higher education in the U.S.
Despite her personal struggles in education and adapting to a new culture, the majority of Obieke’s pieces are very joyful. Each acrylic painting dons vibrant colors and short, layered brushstrokes.
While nearly all of the paintings represent women, there are also several physical objects from male Nigerian royalty within Obieke’s family. Her uncle has sent a prestigious garment, cane and other personal adornments for the collection, as well.
A recurring theme across the mediums is isi agu: a traditional fabric used by women in a variety of ways, from carrying children to simply wrapping up their hair.
All of the fabrics on display hang from zebra, wenge and ebony wood — sourced directly from Nigeria as well.
Together, each element of “Whispers of Home” represents a unique part of the culture belonging to the Igbo tribe and Yoruba people in Nigeria.
“It’s just what I remember about home and growing up,” Obieke said. She explained that she doesn’t need a reference to paint her culture, because she remembers it through past experiences and feels it impacting herself today when she receives news from Nigeria.
Throughout the reception, Obieke reiterated how grateful she is for the attendees. Some guests noticed that her paintings are signed “Adora,” which is a personalized, traditional name given to Obieke by her family when she was born.
One guest at the reception was Verushali Bokil, Obieke’s academic advisor, who also came to show support.
“Victory is an amazing Ph.D. student … She has a great attitude and is so talented,” Bokil said.
Obieke’s boyfriend, Emmanuel Oguadimma, explained that school is indeed her main focus, but she often uses art to express her feelings during free time.
The “Whispers of Home” collection will be on display in Kidder 210 until Dec.13 and the paintings are for sale upon inquiry.
