IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IDEM PARIS
  • “The subtly of poses in my work are very significant. I wanted to tap into instants and postures from my past. I have reminiscences of simple moments from my childhood: my aunt holding her handbag when going to the market, getting ready to go to church, or going out to meet friends. I quickly sketched the pose and started embellishing small elements from there.” 
  • Peter Uka (born in 1975, Nigeria; based in Cologne, Germany) composes figurative paintings from his memories of Nigeria. Together, his...

     

    Peter Uka (born in 1975, Nigeria; based in Cologne, Germany) composes figurative paintings  from his memories of Nigeria. Together, his classical training in realistic figuration and recollections from childhood convey innate and timeless human emotion. Scenes of growing up including elements like afro-hairstyles, bell-bottom jeans, bright mannerisms and local customs are all captured in a vibrant visual narrative.  
     
    The compositions flaunt international trends from the late 20th century and emphasize the ways globalization connects countries around the world. These anecdotes uncover historical precedents of globalization and dynamic cultural signifiers connecting two countries that Uka calls home, while reminding the rest of the world of collective reciprocity, closeness, and connection. 

     

    Peter Uka completed his studies in 2017 at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf (Germany) and has exhibited at National Museum Onikan (Lagos, Nigeria), Haus der Kunst (Munich, Germany), KunsthausMettman (Germany) and DIDI Museum (Lagos, Nigeria). 

  • ABOUT IDEM PARIS
    Idem Paris stands as one of the oldest printing houses and one of the only that still uses the traditional techniques of lithography and today dedicated to contemporary artists including Sophie Calle, JR, William Kentridge, Karl Lagerfeld, David Lynch, Paul McCarthy, Raymond Pettibon, Richard Serra and many more. 
    Built in 1881 by printer Eugene Dufrenoy, the workshop located at 49 rue de Montparnasse was created to install Dufrenoy’s lithographic presses. Housing two floors in 15,000 square feet, the workshop began with 19th century flat machines operated by belts driven by propeller shafts and a steam boiler that was used to provide energy for the machines.
    The premises were later occupied by the Michard Printing Company, which specialized in creating special edition maps filled with vibrant colors. Finally, the workshop fell into the hands of Fernand Mourlot in 1976 and became a fine art print shop. The brother duo and craftsmen were part of the revival of lithography and began working closely with artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, Marc Chagall and many other artists of the 20th century. The Mourlot company is now known by its current name, Idem Paris.