Isi Afulu Kwaba Okpu – Large Plexiglass Art Installation by Chuma Anagbado Celebrates Igbo Heritage At Lawfel Mall

A striking plexiglass art installation titled Isi Afulu Kwaba Okpu (The Head That Empowered the Making of The Crown) by multidisciplinary artist Chuma Anagbado has been unveiled at Lawfel Mall in Lagos, blending Igbo cultural symbolism with cutting-edge fabrication techniques.

Chuma Anagbado, stating the reason for his choice of a plexiglass art installation, says he was “briefed to create an Artwork for a Mall, suitable to withstand the weather”. He notes that the existing space was initially made for an LED display screen but the “client wanted something more than the usual.” In line with his practice of creating art, an integral part of architecture, the artist took on the challenge, to conceive, create and install the piece, ‘ Isi Afulu Kwaba Okpu’.

Titled Isi ‘Afulu Kwaba Okpu’, The artwork, made from brightly coloured Plexiglass cut-outs, features a reimagined Igbo red cap with two eagle feathers on both sides. The cap is surrounded by lines and motifs from the traditional Igbo Uli art form.

Chuma Anagbado

“The ‘red cap’, a mark of achievement became predominantly used by the Igbo tradional Nze na Ozo title system post the Nigerian civil war.” The artist explains. The size of each cap, which replaced the animal skin initially tied around the head by title holders, varies by community and indicates the title holder’s class, with different sizes signifying different ranks. “In modern times, the cap is often decorated with eagle feathers, cowries, and other symbolic elements.” He adds.

The 16.7-square-meter plexiglass installation, completed in 65 days, doubly serves as a memorial to Chief Oragwu, a contender for the Adazi-Nnukwu chieftaincy title who is yet to be seen since his abduction years ago.

This artwork immortalizes the memory of a great man, a loving father and accomplished individual, Chief Lawrence Oragwu, Ezeani Okosisi Na Eche Ndo of Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Chuma Anagbado

Design Highlights

The artwork exists on both digital and physical planes, with the artist describing this as “The ‘phygitality’ of the work” for which the digital counterpart can be accessed online.

To make the artwork more accessible to the public yet retaining all its authenticity and value, he opted to display it in the mall, “taking Art away from the high towers of academia and the traditional artwork spaces such as Museums”. Anagbado believes that “Art should be and is an integral part of Architecture,” and this piece marks the beginning of a lifetime work focused on blurring these lines, “just like our ancestors did.”

Key Challenges and Solutions

According to the artist, the project’s primary challenge—finding a way to create and install an artwork of that size using plexiglas— was solved by dividing the mural into 12 modular units, each mounted on a lightweight aluminum framework. This approach enabled on-site assembly without compromising structural integrity.

Artist Statement

Chuma Anagbado, an Omenka artist, draws inspiration from Uli aesthetics and the Natural Synthesis philosophy of the Zaria Art Society. “I explore the creative possibilities my ancestors might have pursued had they access to contemporary tools” he notes. His practice bridges traditional Igbo artistic expression with modern technological innovation, filtering his creative vision through the “lens of Igbo cultural heritage and collective historical consciousness.”

“My artistic journey began with digital works, exhibited as prints and interactive puzzle games,” Anagbado also reveals, sharing the evolution of his works as an artist. The artist’s practice expanded in 2021 to include physical mediums, translating digital compositions onto wood panels using laser cutters and acrylic paints. By 2024, he transitioned to working with plexiglass, driven by a desire for more durable works and integrating art with architecture. “This medium has enabled me to dramatically increase the scale of my piece.” he adds.

The artist’s current work involves creating large-format pieces by combining multiple plexiglass panels with laser-etched digital designs and installing them on-site. “The digital compositions maintain their artistic integrity both as standalone pieces and as components of these larger installations.” He further explains.

Anagbado’s studio practice continues to evolve, exploring innovative ways to express creative thoughts and narratives. “This ongoing evolution reflects my commitment to honoring traditional artistic principles while embracing contemporary technological possibilities, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present, digital and physical, tradition and innovation.” the artist concludes.

GALLERY–

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