Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, MBE, born May 2, 1952, in Ondo State, Nigeria, was a highly respected Nigerian-British artist celebrated for her portraiture, figurative works, and vibrant depictions of African culture. She moved to the United Kingdom in 1975, where she completed her BA in Fine Art at Hornsey College of Art, University of Middlesex, London. Chukwuogo-Roy gained prominence for her unique style, which combined traditional African art with contemporary techniques, and she worked in various media, including oil, acrylic, watercolour, and printmaking.
Her most notable achievement was being commissioned to paint an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in honour of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. This commission brought her significant recognition and cemented her reputation as a leading artist. Chukwuogo-Roy’s works often explored themes of identity, cultural heritage, and social issues and were exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Her pieces are held in private and public collections, including those of prestigious institutions.
Throughout her career, she received various awards and honours, reflecting her contributions to the arts and her influence on the contemporary art scene. She was named UK Woman of the Year twice, represented the European Council Committee in Paris, and had her work featured on postage stamps of six countries. She was also awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for Services to Art.
As a founding member of Sudbourne Park Printmakers and a posthumous member of the Nigeria Art Society UK, Chukwuogo-Roy’s legacy in the art community is profound. Her solo exhibitions include āAfrica; Past, Present and Futureā at the Royal Commonwealth Society in London, Didi Museum in Lagos, Trinity College, Cambridge, and “Seeing in Colour” at The Gallery on Cork Street, London.
Chukwuogo-Roy passed away in 2012, leaving a legacy of artistic excellence and cultural impact. Her works continue to inspire and resonate, underscoring her mission to reconnect humanity with nature and to address pressing social issues through art.
