In this brief critical comments about Professor Krydz Ikwumesi and his work, I am constrained by space, but will illustration with illumination, my recognition of the eloquence of his work, his diligence and his fearless versatility and creative endeavours throughout his career.

Krydz and his work spanning over 30 years are not easily definable. The exercise of trying to define his work; how they have evolved over almost three decades, how they have related through history in intertwining with art, architecture, politics, seems rather intriguing to me, and I believe, to many other admirers of his work. As an avid collector of African art, I have for long been fascinated by the aesthetic, the methodology and language possibilities of his renditions both as an artist painter and a writer.

Despite Krydz’s pragmatic orientations, I consider him to be one of the pioneer contemporary progressives in our art landscape today, performing many experimental iconic works that challenge our art space. His works have intangible poetic quality that are emblematic to the defined art practices in Africa, and indeed the world. They have influenced with ample intuition, the framework of our art history which are always shifting in meanings as they produce objects that are alive to our environment and contextually, to the viewers.

Krydz’s works are enduringly potent, and what make them so, is not just the obvious frankness of their projection and trajectories, but the peering meanings they convey. In his works, I have come to find inspirations of adventurous spirits that constantly challenge some of their functional elements in unexpected ways. His works thrill me in the way they create their own vernacular of natural materials, surfaces and sculptural eccentricities. He takes materials that appear to be mundane, transforming them into delightful images and objects in such harmonious ways.

Professor Ikwuemesi’s bold and assertive works present an impressive paradigm of an artistic advancement that points to a rich variety of art orientations and directions, providing dynamic elements to the delight of his followers. He has demonstrated over the years, that his talent and contributions to the art world have enriched us all, and that he is potentially one of the world’s best and brightest.

Dr. Okey Anueyiagu