BIOGRAPHY
Ima was born in Ukehe, Nigeria in West Africa. At a very young age he was always constantly making drawings on the sand with sticks excitedly. At that time, he knew that he wanted to be an artist.He loved drawing and enjoyed a good experience with colours during his time at the secondary school. He was very motivated and he decided to proceed to read art amidst many challenges from his parents then. They wanted him to become a lawyer instead but he refused because of his love with colours and drawings.
He went to the University of Benin, Benin-city, Nigeria, where he studied painting and art history. He was one of the best in his class.
After his graduation in 1995, he worked until 1999 as the curator and manager at the famous, Didi Museum in Lagos, Nigeria. During that period he curated and organised different exhibitions and art related symposia. Further to his credit, he also had contracts with several banks and companies, where he did beautified their offices with his paintings. Besides, he has won many prices in Nigeria during his time as a curator.
Until now he has participated in many art exhibitions throughout Nigeria and here in The Netherlands.
His paintings usually depict the everyday life of the people in Nigeria and broadly, in Africa. He also tries in his works to relate his early life experiences which are the major story-lines and subject matter of his paintings. Irrespective of the fact that he atimes, tells interestly some sad experiences with colourful pallet because of his desire for bright hues and mixed media techniques.
Although, this desire for very bright colour hues stand for ‘hope’ which is symbolic and paramount in day to day life’s of the people in Africa.
Therefore, his paintings are in no doubt, a reflection and a mirror of life in Africa.
In addition, he sees his paintings as his voice to expressing and depicting what is going on in that continent, Africa. Among others, the women play some subjective roles which he mostly uses to express this situation.
Regretably and sadly on a bigger scale, the women carry the heaviest socio-cultural burden and demands. Yes, a burden of neglect, marginalization and inequality that trail their life in every sector of human activities which today, needs a global attention.
His paintings are rendered majorly on oil, acrylic colours and charcoal. Lastly and worthy to mention is that often times, he combines these medium to achieve his desired mixed media technique.
CV
Date of Birth: October 5, 1970.
State of Origin: Enugu.
Nationality: Nederlands.
Marital status: Married.
Institutions attended.
2006 Landstede Harderwijk, Nederland.
1998-1999 University of Lagos, Nigeria.
1988-1993 University of Benin, Benin-city, Nigeria.
1983-1988 Premier Secondary School Ukehe, Nigeria.
1981-1982 Central School Umunko, Nigeria.
1976-1981 Central School Ukehe, Nigeria.
Qualifications Obtained.
Nederlandse als 2de taal, NT2
Bachelors of Arts in painting (2nd class upper division).
Masters in industrial relations and labour laws.
WASC/GCE.
First School Leaving Certificate.
Work Experience.
1994-2000 Curator/Conservator, Didi Museum Lagos, Nigeria.
Art Exhibitions.
Mixed grill (group) Abraka, Nigeria.
NAFAAS art exhibitions Benin, Nigeria.
Group salon exhibition at Didi Museum Lagos, Nigeria.
Group exhibition at Equitorial Trust Bank Lagos, Nigeria.
Group Exhibition at “Mezutrum prate”, Austria.
Solo exhibition at “Didi Museum” Lagos, Nigeria.
2008-2012
2008 Solo exhibition at “Grand café” Elburg, Nederland.
2008 Solo exhibition at “Bibliotheek” Hasselt, Nederland.
2007 Buitenlanders art exhibition at “Galerie Donkervoort” Benk en Donk, Nederland.
2009 Group Exhibiton at “Eerste Galerie” Nijkerk, Nederland.
2010 Solo exhibition at “Gemeentehuis” Elburg, Nederland.
2012 Duo exhibition at “Galerie de Langenhof” Zwolle, Nederland.
2012 Solo exhibition at “Keek” Utrecht, Nederland.
2012 Solo exhibition at “Bibliotheek” Zwolle, Nederland.
2014-2015
Solo exhibition at “Viattence, zorginstelling” Hattem, Nederland.
Solo exhibition at “Isala kliniek” Zwolle, Nederland.
Duo exhibition at “Mennorode conferentieoord” Elspeet, Nederland.
2017-2021
Solo exhibition at gallery Donkervort Kunst route de Veluwe
Solo exhibition at Galerie kiek-kus at Deventer.
Took part in Colour field perfomances in Elst.
2022-2025
Kunstroute Noord Veluwe Tekens van Verre, Hardenberg Gemeente huis Emmeloord
Gemeente huis Kampen
Veluvine Nunspeet
St. Jansdal Harderwijk
High court foyer in Maastricht Kunsthal Almelo
Took part in Colour field perfomances
Awards.
Academy Press Award for excellence in painting.
Best youth corp member in Eti-Osa local govt. area, Lagos/Nigeria.
Lagos govt.recomendation in painting.
Hobbies.
Reading, out-door activities and sports.
STATEMENT
Each piece by Ima Amu is a distinct journey into the heart of Africa, blending rich cultural narratives with vivid portrayals of contemporary life. Crafted with a bright palette and diverse techniques, his art is not just aesthetically pleasing, it is also a mirror reflecting socio-political realities. Imbued with symbolisms and subtle messages, his work is especially renowned for highlighting the plight and resilience of African women. By owning an Ima Amu piece, you’re not just adding to your art collection; you’re becoming part of a compelling dialogue on African life, history, and the enduring quest for equality.
