Chinedu Chidebe

Chinedu Chidebe (1998) is a visual artist born and raised in Anambra, Nigeria. He studied fine and applied art at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (painting major) and has acquired other formal training which has contributed to developing his skill. He works with a variety of mediums and has continually drawn inspiration from his personal experiences.

His works can be seen as an allegory where he takes inspiration from the idea of a virtual reality headset and uses it as a metaphor to explore the concept of living in one's head and getting lost in that space which makes it difficult to accept what's real; which is one of the problems we face in the modern world and is partly the reason why young people resort to drug use which is barely talked about.

Artist Statement

Using acrylic, oil, graphite, and charcoal, I depict young Nigerians like myself whose minds are psychologically elsewhere, though they are physically present. This is why I choose to paint over the eyes of my subjects, as I draw inspiration from the worlds that are manifested in a virtual reality headset.

The protective refuge that the mind creates, however comforting and seductive, is not a viable way to live. I have begun to discern what can be changed from what cannot be changed, to adapt, and to emerge into the light in order to live more fully.