Bio

GRAPHY

Data Oruwari is a self-taught visual artist of Nigerian descent. She is a contemporary sacred artist who creates unique iconographic representations of afro-spiritual identities.

She create works that illuminate the divine in us all; and seeks to heal and reconnect humanity with spirituality from an African perspective. Her influences include the African mythological cosmologies, the visionary art movement, byzantine iconography, and natural law.

Data considers her practice as a doorway to healing and awakened consciousness. With hopes that through her expressions she is able to not only bring the viewer along with her on this journey to enlightenment, but also restore balance and harmony within their subconscious.

 Artist 

Statement

Our belief systems are an invisible force that shape our identity. They give us an understanding of who we are and why we are here. So my work focuses on exploring afro-indigenous concepts on spirituality; in relation to my personal experiences as an African woman born into a post-colonial environment, and that of the African diaspora today.

My work aims to decolonize and reclaim a spiritual identity that’s been damaged from centuries-long ‘demonization’ of afro-indigenous belief systems, by telling stories of how my ancestors understood the nature of our collective existence.

I use art as way to heal deep-seated collective wounds of my history, and to celebrate the vibrancy and relevance of the legacy of those that came before me.


exhibitions

2024 | Walsh Gallery: Contemporary African Spirituality, New Jersey.

2019 | Art X Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

2018 | Sister: The Art of Nigerian Women at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Ohio.

2018 | AMREF Art Ball by AMREF Health Africa, New York.

2017 | Standing Out II at SMO Contemporary Art Gallery, Lagos.

2016 | All Black Everything at the Winter Studio Art Centre, New York.

2016 | Panorama Contemporary Art Fair, Lagos, Nigeria

2016 | Afro Frontal at the White Cloud Gallery, Washington, D.C.

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