Stephen Aifegha

Biography

Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Stephen Aifegha demonstrated a gift for the arts as a child. He attended art galleries, museums and competitions. He eventually realized that to truly pursue his passion he would have to move far away from home. Mr. Aifegha researched international art programs, eventually landing on Idaho State University’s where he recently graduated.

Mr. Aifegha’s artistic practice is influenced by his identity and culture as an African. He is a mixed media artist who uses original African fabrics and newsprint as a major element in his art. The African fabrics are used to show his identity as an African and also give an insight about his subject matter or narrative as it concerns issues regarding the African continent and the diaspora, while the newsprint is used for texture and social commentary. His subject matter and narrative center on historical, social, and cultural issues that concern Africa in regards to cultural syncretism, identity issues, culture clash, and pride. His art centers the problems and issues in Africa today rooted in its pre-colonial and post-colonial history.

Stephen completed a series at ISU entitled “21st Century Africa” and is going to be creating a companion series this month at Surel’s Place to be exhibited during First Thursday at LED entitled “Third World Africa.” Since we have this co-residency, we thought this would be a unique opportunity to feature both collections with a showing at Surel’s Place of the “21st Century Africa” work and also the new work at LED.

ARTIST TALK & EXHIBITION
21st CENTURY AFRICA
Thursday, February 24th  |  6:00pm – 8:00pm  | Artist Talk at 7:00pm

at Surel’s Place: 212 E 33rd Street in Garden City

Surel’s Place will show work from Stephen Aifegha’s previous collection “21st Century Africa.” He will be finishing new work for his “Third World Africa” series and will give a sneak peak at some work in process and discuss the progression from one series to the next.

WORKSHOP
MIXED MEDIA ART
Saturday, February 26th  |  1:00pm – 4:00pm

at Surel’s Place: 212 E 33rd Street in Garden City

Join Stephen Aifegha in the evolution of painting. Participants will get a first hand experience using techniques Mr. Aifegha used in his creation of “21st Century Africa.” In this body of work he uses original African fabrics and newsprint as a major element. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to explore and develop your own meaning through materials and evolve your painting style. Registration includes a materials fee and and participants will receive a 16″x10″ canvas, paper, fabrics, and access to acrylics and brushes.

FIRST THURSDAY EXHIBITION
THIRD WORLD AFRICA
Thursday, March 3rd  |  6:00pm – 9:00pm

at LED: 1420 W Grove Street in Boise

A First Thursday event showcasing new work by Mr. Aifegha. During the month of February, he has been working on this extension of his thesis exhibition “21st Century Africa” which celebrated beauty in African culture and is open to the public at Surel’s Place on February 24th. This new collection will highlight the struggles of the lower class people of Africa.