A story was told of how Sandra Izsadore, a female Black-rights activist who met Fela in California during his ten-month US tour with Koola Lobitos in 1969, ridiculed the type of songs Fela was playing and encouraged him to go and play songs that will address the problem of his people. Fela got the message, and thus was born Afrobeat.
Wakrot Chinshaka, a visual artist who is deeply influenced by his heritage and upbringing in Jos, Nigeria – a region rich in cultural diversity but marked by ethnic and religious tensions, needed no such prompting. The problem in his country, especially in Jos, inspires much of his work, including acclaimed projects like More Love, Less War and The Blood Stained Child, which address pressing social and cultural issues.
Through these initiatives, Chinshaka uses art as a vehicle for fostering unity, celebrating diversity, and advocating for peace in his homeland and beyond.
Wakrot Chinshaka is a true Renaissance artist whose creative journey seamlessly bridges architecture, industrial design, and fine art.
With a deep rooted passion for addressing societal and human challenges, Chinshaka crafts innovative solutions and experiences that resonate profoundly with diverse audiences worldwide. His work transcends traditional boundaries, spanning digital art, acrylic on canvas, string art, and fabric pattern design, showcasing his versatility and boundless creativity.
Chinshaka’s artistic foundation is anchored in his background in architecture and a Master’s degree in Industrial Design from the prestigious University of the Arts London. These disciplines have equipped him with a unique ability to balance functionality and aesthetic appeal, fueling his exploration of art as a medium for solving real world problems. His multidisciplinary perspective enriches his creative process, allowing him to infuse elements of structure, design, and storytelling into his work.
A defining element of Chinshaka’s artistic portfolio is his mastery of string art, a medium he delved into during his tenure as Art Director at HOP Craft Studio in Abuja, Nigeria. This intricate art form, which involves weaving colorful threads around nails to create geometric and figurative designs, has become a hallmark of his creativity. The artist’s mediums include particle board, acrylic paint, nails and strings.
Chinshaka’s string art pieces stand out for their meticulous craftsmanship and the captivating narratives they convey. His work has been widely sought after, with numerous commissions from private collectors and corporate clients, further establishing him as a leading figure in this unique medium.
Beyond string art, Chinshaka’s work as an industrial designer reflects his commitment to creativity and problem solving. He blends practicality with artistic ingenuity, addressing real world challenges while delivering designs that are both functional and thought provoking. His innovative use of diverse mediums, including fabric pattern design and digital art, further highlights his ability to break conventional barriers and explore new artistic dimensions.
Wakrot Chinshaka’s journey embodies the transformative power of creativity. Whether through string art, digital media, or socially impactful projects, his work continues to inspire change, challenge norms, and offer fresh perspectives on art’s role in shaping a more inclusive and harmonious world.
