By Onyeka Ezike
Contemporary artist, Chika Idu, has unveiled a new body of works titled Pure Water, exploring environmental realities, nature and the human experience through a collection of paintings that place African women and children against submerged figures in a pristine underwater world. The solo exhibition, held in Lekki, Lagos, in partnership with SMO Contemporary Art, explores themes of ecology, history, migration, innocence and liberty, while drawing attention to the relationship between humanity and the environment.
Idu uses the title Pure Water as both a critical and ironic reference to his aspiration for a balanced world and the ubiquitous plastic “pure water” sachets consumed by millions of Nigerians, particularly in densely populated and polluted urban centres. The discarded sachets often clog drains and waterways, contributing to environmental degradation and creating hazards that affect the quality of life of residents.
Born in 1974 in Umunede, Delta State, Nigeria, Idu studied Painting at Auchi Federal Polytechnic, Edo State, where he graduated in 1998. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Nigeria’s first Water Colour Society of Artists, SABLES. His artistic practice reflects his fascination with the way light interacts with water, mist, fog and dust. His works are characterised by dense textures and diffused, hazy renderings, which he describes as “Light against visual distortion.”
Some of his works also examine cultural and societal issues and their impact on women and children. Idu’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident throughout his artistic practice, and Pure Water is no exception.
The exhibition raises awareness about the risks and pressures faced by children living in fragile coastal communities, while drawing viewers into intimate encounters with paintings marked by striking figuration and sensitivity to the emotional possibilities of the human face and body.
In Pure Water, Idu’s figures and portraits draw attention to the environmental realities confronting urban and coastal communities while advocating for “pure waters.” His figures appear to swim towards freedom despite the odds. Through fluid, light-speckled underwater scenes, the artist creates a world of youthful innocence, portraying children as possessing an innate capacity for freedom and adventure despite life’s uncertainties and societal pressures.
The exhibition also featured a short documentary, From Shore to Studio, which captures the artist documenting coastal life and working in his studio. The film follows Idu as he explores the beach, observes nature and documents coastal life, including the seasonal behaviour of the sea and waves. His use of oil and acrylic on canvas, alongside delicate watercolours on paper, becomes a visual choreography of life. His portraits of women and children are marked by gazes that appear to defy adversity, while his layered palette-knife strokes give the water a presence and energy of its own.
Speaking in an interview, Idu explained his fascination with painting children, noting that their innocence offers important lessons to adults. “Anybody that has the opportunity to be around children should not be in a hurry because they are so pure in their approach to everything. From their heart to their expression is always pure. Children have a lot to teach,” he said.
The artist also encouraged emerging artists to embrace originality and focus on discovering their individual artistic voices. “I encourage younger artists to be more original in their work, style and technique, because there are a lot of things to discover. We do not have forever to live on earth, but a short time to spend on earth. Hence, we should make an impact through our works.
“Try as much as possible to release everything you have and do not paint for the market because there will always be a market. If you are not selling now, you will still sell. Just focus on discovering yourself and sharing it with everybody.”
Among the works featured at the exhibition are Convergence I (2022–2025), Convergence II (2025), both oil on canvas measuring 150 x 120cm, and Osondi Owendi (2022), also an oil on canvas measuring 150 x 120cm. Osondi Owendi draws inspiration from the Igbo highlife song of the same title, whose message suggests that what brings happiness to one person may equally bring sadness to another.
The painting depicts children swimming and having fun, while others watch from a distance in the same body of water. In another scene, some children swim while others fetch water. What appears to be leisure and enjoyment for some becomes labour for others, revealing the social and economic disparities that exist within society.
Another work, The Boy Named Happy, a mixed-media piece on canvas measuring 120 x 90cm, examines the societal challenges confronting children in Nigeria. The work reflects on the limited agency of children in decisions that affect society, suggesting that they are often victims of choices made by adults. It incorporates newspaper print with the portrait of a child, creating a visual commentary on the realities faced by children.
Portrait of the Girl focuses on the girl-child and examines some of the harsh realities associated with African culture and the experiences of young girls. Through the work, Idu celebrates the beauty of the African woman while seeking to give women a voice and create a platform through which their contributions and roles in African society can be recognised and appreciated.
Other works in the exhibition include Just Us (2023), an oil on canvas measuring 120 x 90cm; The Assembly (2026), an oil on canvas measuring 150 x 120cm; State of the Mind, a watercolour on paper measuring 42 x 29.5cm; Two of a Kind (2025); Spectators (2023); and Nwa Baba (2023), with the latter two works executed in watercolour on paper measuring 42 x 29.5cm.
The Founder and Artistic Director of SMO Contemporary Art, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, said the organisation has its roots in both art and film, adding that the exhibition provides an opportunity for viewers to immerse themselves in the natural world while witnessing the artist’s creative process.
“It is important that art brings hope and inspiration to our lives, while also reminding us of the plight of humanity and the need to advocate for the environment,” she said.
