Njideka Akunyili Crosby: Bridging Nigeria and America Through Art

1 / 6

Njideka Akunyili Crosby grew up in Enugu and earned an MFA from Yale University School of Art. She originally planned to study medicine in the US but discovered her passion for studio work during her senior year at Swarthmore. Her layered collage and photo-transfer paintings explore the cultural ties between her adopted home in Los Angeles and her Nigerian roots. In 2018, she created a major mural on the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, blending painting, printmaking and drawing in intricate scenes. Recently, the Obama Foundation commissioned her to produce a portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama for the new Presidential Centre in Chicago. Like much of her work, the piece weaves hidden details—Michelle’s childhood home and Grammy awards—into its narrative.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.