Nnenna Okore is a Nigerian artist living and working in the United States. She received a B.A degree in Painting from the University of Nigeria in 1999, and an M.A and M.F.A. degrees in Sculpture from the University of Iowa in 2004 and 2005.
She is currently an Assistant Professor of Art at North Park University, where she has received several awards and residencies worldwide, and has been exhibited in several prestigious galleries and museums including the Museum of Art and Design, New York and the October Gallery, London.
Okore often uses discarded yet reusable materials such as magazines and newspapers found in the United States. In redeeming these everyday waste and found objects, Okore’s works brings a focus to bear on consumerism, excessive wastefulness, and transformation of materials.
Her revitalizing and reconstructive approach to materials makes Okore one of the most exciting and innovative artists of her generation, working with urban recyclia. Whilst in many ways, her approaches are reflective of recycling values specific to Nigerian society, her concerns are universally resonant.