Collection: Ibe Ananaba

B. 1976, Belgium.

Ibe Ananaba studied Fine and Applied Arts at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, where he majored in Painting and graduated with Distinction, in 1999. He is a multidisciplinary visual storyteller whose art focuses on socio-cultural issues that affect contemporary living. Always willing to push creative boundaries, he enjoys experimenting with traditional and non-conventional mediums in his art creations in his search for new experiences. Beyond his studio practice, his diverse creative skills span across mural painting, illustration, graphic designs, art direction and cartooning.

He remotely volunteers as Chief Coordinator Studio programs for a non-profit organization - Girl Child Art Foundation. Ibe is listed in the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Awarded the 1st Prize Winner of Art Masters Contest, Art Vancouver 2019, he has exhibited in Nigeria, South Africa, U.S.A., London, Germany, Israel, Canada and Senegal. He recently executed the Diversity Mural in Berwick, Nova scotia that featured in SaltWire publication. Ibe is a member of Visual Arts Nova Scotia and Black Artists Network of Nova Scotia.

Ibe's artistic contributions have been recognized as valuable case studies for project theses by scholars from various universities across Nigeria. His works have been featured in notable publications such as "FASHION: A SECOND LANGUAGE"; (Shoko Press, London, 2020);WATERCOLOR ARTISTS MAGAZINE; ("Making a Goal"; - April Edition, 2019), "MASTERS OF WATERCOLORS"; (Planeta Muzyki Publishers, Finland, 2018), and; "ARTISTS OF NIGERIA"; (5 Continents Editions, 2010). Additionally, his illustrations have been showcased in publications like "FASHION ILLUSTRATION AFRICA - A New Generation"; (Shoko Press, London, 2016) and: "ARTIST OF NIGERIA"; (5 Continents Edition, Italy, 2012), among numerous others.

In 2023, Ibe served as a panelist, presenting; "Black Fashion Is Art"; during the 14th edition of Contemporary African Diaspora Arts at Art Basel in Miami.