Ibim Cookey

"Son of the Soil" by Nigerian artist Ibim Cookey (2024), a figurative painting honoring African identity, ancestral connection, and the cultural power of land and heritage. Presented by Afrikanizm.

"When we are born, we are wrapped in a wax print. It is an important part of every African's heritage and each wax print tells a unique African story. In fact, African prints and textiles will always be part of Africa, so be proud of it and show it in your everyday style."

MEET

Ibim Cookey

Ibim Cookey (b. 1999, Port Harcourt, Nigeria) is a Nigerian portrait artist and architecture graduate whose visual storytelling celebrates African culture, identity, and heritage. Currently serving as an Art Ambassador in the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Cookey blends realistic charcoal portraiture with vibrant Ankara wax print patterns, redefining the global perception of Black beauty and dignity through art.

He began his artistic journey in 2014 while studying architecture at the University of Nigeria. Inspired by Kelvin Okafor and mentored by the legendary Demas Nwoko, Ibim rapidly rose to prominence by sharing his hyper-realistic portraits online, gaining viral attention and international recognition.

Ibim’s signature style is defined by meticulously detailed charcoal drawings juxtaposed with colourful African wax print backgrounds, transforming traditional fabrics into a canvas for storytelling. His use of Ankara textile patterns pays tribute to African symbolism and spiritual legacy: “When we are born, we are wrapped in a wax print. Each tells a unique African story,” he explains.

His works have been exhibited in South Africa, Brazil, France, England, Nigeria, and the United States, including major showcases such as Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Focus Art Fair Paris, Mitochondria Gallery Houston, and Disrupt Space London.

Driven by a desire to amplify African voices, Ibim’s portraits act as powerful visual manifestos that honour resilience, beauty, and cultural pride. He aims to establish an international art studio, host residencies for emerging artists, and see his works in major museums worldwide. His aspirations include making it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 and TIME 100 Influential People lists — a dream grounded in vision, discipline, and an unrelenting belief in the power of African art.

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