Biography
Kelechi Charles Nwaneri, born in 1994, Lagos, is a self-taught, mixed-media artist. 
Living and working in Lagos state, Nigeria. 
 
Kelechi Nwaneri obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Nigeria in 2015.
 
Nwaneri focuses on issues surrounding mental health, psychology, and social values. Inspired by the events occurring in his environment, he creates art with surrealistic imagery that is often allegorical and rooted in real experiences. His idiosyncratic paintings blend traditional West African iconography with elements of Western art history, resulting in fantastical worlds full of hybrid creatures and vivid patterns.
 
A major characteristic of his style is the use of Indigenous African symbols—primarily Adinkra, Uli, and Nsibidi—alongside mystical, metaphysical, and allegorical imagery. His compositions feature dreamlike scenarios that reflect contemporary Nigerian life, where humans and animals often merge and symbols frequently cover the figures’ skin.
 
Nwaneri has exhibited in London, Lagos, Dubai, Berlin, and New York. His works are part of notable collections, including the Arthur Lewis Collection, the Africa First Collection, and the Embassy of Spain in Abuja, Nigeria.
Exhibitions
Works
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, Annexation of ijebu land, 2025
    Annexation of ijebu land, 2025
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, Birth of a nation, 2025
    Birth of a nation, 2025
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, Crossing the Yemoje river, 2025
    Crossing the Yemoje river, 2025
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, How do we announce the General's passing, 2025
    How do we announce the General's passing, 2025
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, June 12 Annulment, 2025
    June 12 Annulment, 2025
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, The 1851 reduction of Lagos, 2025
    The 1851 reduction of Lagos, 2025
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, Women's Riot, 2025
    Women's Riot, 2025
  • Kelechi Nwaneri , The cession of Lagos, 2024
    The cession of Lagos, 2024
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, Victims of war, 2024
    Victims of war, 2024 Sold
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, Consultation, 2022
    Consultation, 2022
  • Kelechi Nwaneri, Mirror, 2022
    Mirror, 2022
Solo & Group Show

Recent solo and group exhibitions include:

 

2026

Echoes of Power, Primo Marella Gallery, Milan, Italy (Upcoming)

Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London, UK (Upcoming)

2025

Echoes of Power, Primo Marella Gallery, Lugano, Switzerland
Undersea, Hastings Contemporary, Hastings, UK

2024
Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London, UK

The Black Ghost 2, Primo Marella Gallery, Lugano, Switzerland

2023
Red, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Berlin, Germany
Where the Wild Roses Grow, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Schloss Görne, Germany
Les Enchantées, curated by Nicola E. Petek & Stephan Klee, HAUNT Gallery, Berlin, Germany

2022
Finding Balance, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London, UK
The Black Ghost, Primo Marella Gallery, Milan, Italy
African Contemporary Art Fair Paris, AKKA Project, Paris, France
Untitled Miami Beach, with Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Miami, USA
Enter Art Fair, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Denmark
Art Dubai, AKKA Project, Dubai, UAE

2021
Through My Eyes, Akka Project, Venice, Italy
Myths, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Berlin, Germany
Untitled Miami, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Miami, USA
Facing the Sun, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Schloss Görne, Germany
Stop. Listen, CFHILL Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, New York, USA
Art X Lagos, SMO Contemporary Art, Lagos, Nigeria

2020
Modern Marks, Ebony Curated, Cape Town, South Africa
All the Days and Nights, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London, UK

2019
STASIS, SMO Contemporary Art Gallery, Temple Muse, Lagos, Nigeria
SECRET GARDEN, ODA Gallery, Franschhoek, South Africa

2018
Ode to Mankind, Artyrama Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria
Spanish Festivals and Traditional Celebrations, Thought Pyramid Gallery, Abuja, Nigeria

2016
Exploring the Goldmine Inherent in Nigerian Creative Industries, National Festival for Art and Culture (NAFEST), Uyo, Nigeria

 

Art Fairs
Publications