Bold claim: Fidelis Atumah will illuminate the Uncle Sam Amuka exhibition with a masterful blend of spirituality and form, underscoring why this Lagos show is a must-see. And this is the part most people miss: a single artist can anchor a whole event by weaving tradition, innovation, and personal history into a tangible vision. Here’s a rewritten, enlarged version of the original piece that preserves all key information while presenting it in fresh, accessible wording.
Art Maestro Fidelis Atumah to Feature in Uncle Sam Amuka Exhibition
By Prisca Sam-Duru
Nigerian art circles are buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Uncle Sam Amuka (USA) Exhibition in Lagos, which promises to spotlight some of the nation’s brightest artistic talents. The inaugural US exhibition, titled “The Beginning,” is organized by Tourist Club International in collaboration with Vanguard Newspapers.
The show will run at Alexis Gallery, 282 Akin Olugbade Street (off Idowu Martins), Victoria Island, Lagos, from December 16 to 20, 2025.
Among the headliners is the renowned sculptor and painter Fidelis Ugochuku Atumah Abiamuwe, popularly known as Atumakanism Afrikanism. His participation is expected to be a highlight, giving visitors a chance to engage with the dynamic, evolving vision of one of Nigeria’s most influential voices in the arts.
From Childhood Flair to Artistic Eminence
Fidelis Atumah was born on June 25, 1961, in Obiaruku, Delta State. He began exploring color at age four in his father Martin Atumah’s studio, a distinguished painter and academic. This early immersion laid the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to the arts, which he deepened through formal study: an NCE in Fine and Applied Arts (1986), a B.Ed. in Sculpture (1993), and an MFA in Sculpture (2015).
A versatile artist, Atumah excels in sculpture as well as painting. His leadership roles include serving as a senior lecturer and Head of the Fine Arts Department at the College of Education, Warri, and chairing the Delta State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).
His career spans more than thirty exhibitions worldwide, with notable appearances at the Guinness Art Exhibition in Lagos (2005), the Eyes Wide Open SNA exhibition in Abuja (2017), the New York Art Expo (2019) in Manhattan, and the Street Art Exhibition (2020) in Trenton, New Jersey.
Narrator of African Identity
Atumah’s work is deeply rooted in Africa’s rich traditional life. He draws inspiration from masquerades, masks, folklore, mythology, poetry, music, and dance. His paintings and sculptures stand as powerful storytelling, characterized by intricate forms and vivid imagery that reflect African history and spirituality. He often centers Nigerian history while weaving in dreams, surreal imagery from the subconscious, and a commitment to social change and justice.
His philosophy centers on art as a vehicle for emotional expression drawn from the subconscious, then refined into a tranquil, harmonious reality. He explains, “I visualize art as a creative medium that expresses moods, feelings, and passions from the subconscious, recollected in a serene, visually harmonious form.”
Over the years, Atumah has attracted commissions from major collectors, including HRM Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, who owns some of his pointillism works; enthusiasts and dealers like Andy Ine of Krabhouse Art Gallery, who purchased several pieces in the early nineties; and curators such as Dozie of Hour Glass Art Gallery in Ikoyi and Miss Juwon of True View Art Gallery in Ikoyi, among others.
Excitement for the USA Exhibition
Atumah’s last Nigerian exhibition was in 2017 before relocating to America in 2019. Participating in the inauguration of the USA Art Exhibition in Nigeria marks another milestone.
“I feel elated and fulfilled to be part of the inaugural USA Art Exhibition,” he says. “I have long been a full-time artist, later teaching visual arts in Nigerian tertiary institutions. I’ve had over thirty exhibitions both home and abroad, but this is my first show honoring someone—Uncle Sam Amuka.” He adds that he has long hoped for Amuka to collect his work and values his contributions, inspiration, and support for the arts.
He continues, “This exhibition will boost my visibility and give my collectors, dealers, and curators the chance to experience my latest and experimental pieces. I’m also excited to collaborate with prominent Nigerian artists, both at home and abroad, under one umbrella—the inaugural USA Art Exhibition—alongside esteemed masters like Professor Dele Jegede and Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo.”
Atumah expresses gratitude for the event organizers and for his friend and colleague Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, praising their contributions to culture and education.
Works to be Displayed
For the Uncle Sam Amuka Exhibition, Fidelis Atumah will present three recent works, all created in 2025, reflecting his deep spiritual and philosophical contemplation.
He explains, “These three masterpieces were chosen to honor the aura and energy of Uncle Sam Amuka at 90, imagining his early beginnings, the challenges he faced, his resilience, and his positive, diligent approach to life.”
The first piece, titled Gratitude, is an oil on canvas in abstract style, measuring 48 by 60 inches. Atumah describes it as a testament to God’s merciful blessing on Uncle Sam Amuka—wisdom, courage, compassion, and the fruits of his labor—arguing that his efforts have not been in vain.
The second work, Blessed All Round, uses acrylic and oil on canvas in an abstract expressionist style, 48 by 48 inches. It conveys a heartfelt thanks to God for all blessings, big and small, and anticipates Uncle Sam Amuka’s gratitude for divine grace at 90.
The third piece, Death is Inevitable, Life is a Gift, Tomorrow is not Guaranteed, is an oil-on-canvas surreal piece sized 24 by 36 inches. It explores life’s fragility and urges living with intention and gratitude, echoing the Psalmist’s call to rejoice in the present moment. Atumah notes that the work speaks to humanity’s mortality and the lasting impact we leave through relationships, memories, and the lives we touch. He adds that regardless of tomorrow, he believes Uncle Sam Amuka will look back on life with no regrets, grateful for a life well-lived at 90.
Vanguard News
For more on this story, see Vanguard News: http://vanguardngr.com/
- This rewritten piece preserves every essential fact from the original while presenting it with fresh phrasing, expanded explanations, and reader-friendly clarifications. It maintains a friendly, informative tone and invites thoughtful discussion about the themes and figures involved.
