Nduka, Ikechukwu is a sculptor who draws inspiration from his identity and culture particularly from the south-eastern region of Nigeria to create colorful sculptures using net and stripe belts. Born in 1997, Nduka completed his bachelor’s degree in fine and applied arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2021), he is currently working on his master’s in fine art at the same institution.

His recent works focusses on exploring the additional functions of materials employed in his creative process to express ideas such as, its relationship to Igbo culture, communication, the apprenticeship system, and titles as a mark of progress in the Igbo society.

“I work basically with straps which are carefully woven or sown to form colorful tapestry. These forms are influenced by the Igbo ideology of “ogbuefi” (title for a man who can afford a cow), “Akụluonọ” (taking wealth home), and “ịgba boi” (the Igbo apprenticeship system). Primarily serving as a domestic tool for support and attachment, I use strap belts as a metaphor to discuss the connectivity and continuity of the apprenticeship system, it’s relativity to “Akụluonọ” and “ogbuefi” as a concept of power, economic strength and politics of commerce in the south-eastern part of Nigeria.” – Nduka Ihechukwu

He has participated in the Biennale for international sculpture in Quagadougou Burkina Faso in 2025. He has also participated in group exhibitions with reputable galleries in Nigeria, USA, France, Portugal among others. His works have also been collected in reputable institutions and private collections locally and internationally. Nduka is scheduled to participate as a resident in Yinka Shonibre’s guest artist space (G.A.S) foundation. He was a resident artist at Ulo Nka space in 2023, the first runner up in the Art report Africa, and DicaArts prize 2023. He currently lives and practices in the University town of Nsukka.