What Is, What Was, What Could Be

“What Is, What Was, What Could Be” is an exploration of personal connections to Nigeria, New

York City, and the passage of time, intertwined with the identity as a man born into Christianity.

This collection explores the experience of living in a city distant from one’s birthplace,

profoundly shaping self-perception and understanding of others. Through his work, Nwadike

delves into extreme aspects of identity, particularly masculinity, shedding light on how patriarchy

imposes constraints and extracts from women, while often overlooking the construction or

obstruction of masculinity in men.

The artist’s process is deeply intertwined with his diverse upbringing, reflecting on inter-tribal

and inter-racial interactions. Through the use of distinct mediums such as acrylic and charcoal,

Nwadike emphasizes the coexistence of different perspectives and experiences. Each painting

begins with a story, carefully chosen to reflect past and current events, allowing viewers to

emotionally connect with the subjects.

Viewers are invited to engage with the subjects in each painting, celebrating the highs and lows

of individual experiences while questioning societal norms and personal boundaries. This

collection challenges conventional notions of beauty, revealing its inherent complexity

encompassing both brightness and darkness.

While some works serve as a tribute to Nigeria, contrasting the idealized portrayal of New York

City life, others subtly reference religious patriarchy, reshaping the construction of masculinity

and ambition in both locations. Through contradictions in emotion and action, this collection

encourages introspection and self-discovery, inviting viewers to confront and navigate their own

emotional landscapes, engage with the evolution and refinement of the series and gain

essential insight to understanding urban livelihoods.