Nnamdi Okonkwo was born in Eastern Nigeria and now lives and works in Fayetteville, Georgia. His bronze sculptures range in size with his smaller works found in private collections throughout the country. His larger, monumental work can be found in various public collections throughout the country including, New York, Colorado, and Arizona.

After obtaining a degree in painting in Nigeria, Nnamdi was recruited by BYU Hawaii where he graduated with a BFA in Sculpture. Nnamdi went on to pursue his MFA in Sculpture at BYU Provo. Prevalent in Nnamdi’s  sculptures is the theme of womanhood. “In my indigenous culture as well as in many cultures, womanhood is venerated. There is an understanding that women share, even in a small way, with the creator, the sacred act of giving life. Perhaps this understanding of the dignity of womanhood inspires me to seek to honor women in my sculpture.”

Nnamdi’s shapes are simplified to avoid distractions of any extraneous detail. Attitudes, gestures and overall composition are of primary importance to him. Nnamdi finds that his ideal of beauty is more easily attained with simple lines and shapes, which convey thoughts and ideas unshackled by detail. Nnamdi uses big rotund forms to symbolize abundant life. To Nnamdi, this is an outward manifestation of a largeness of soul.

Artist Statement: The forms in my sculpture are simplified and stylized to better express my thoughts and ideas which are embodied in fluid lines and simple shapes. It is a mode of expression that comes naturally to me, and it is straight to the point and devoid of pretension. Stylization also offers a greater avenue for the expression of universal themes and emotions. This allows me to broaden the scope of expression by transcending mere literal representation of the figure, provoking different thoughts and ideas, and giving the viewer an opportunity for introspection and contemplation.