Onyekachukwu Anthony Iloanya is a Nigerian visual artist born on March 8, 1990, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education/Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2013, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture from the University of Benin in 2021. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Benin.
Growing up in Onitsha, Iloanya developed an early interest in art by repurposing discarded materials into playthings. This practice has evolved into his current artistic expression, where he transforms waste into aesthetic creations, conveying messages of hope and environmental consciousness.
Iloanya’s work often features sculptures made from recycled metal scraps, a notable example being his “Brazen Bull” sculpture crafted from metal waste. This piece garnered significant attention online, highlighting his ingenuity in turning waste into art.
He has participated in various exhibitions and competitions, including the Ambassador Cup Image Drawing Competition organized by the Embassy of China in Nigeria, where he secured third place. His artistic practice is based in Abuja, Nigeria, where he continues to create and promote art that addresses social, political, and cultural narratives.
