"London-born and based, Onyeka Igwe uses film, sound, text and performance to explore complex historical and political questions about how we live together. Igwe draws on in-depth research to investigate overlooked moments in history, telling stories of protest and community through a combination of archival material, performance and a cinematic engagement with space. Engaging with the politics of anti-colonial resistance and her own family history, Igwe’s practice has often explored the connections between Britain and Nigeria, with a particular focus on the propaganda work of the Colonial Film Unit."

The jury said: “We have unanimously decided that the award should be presented to both Onyeka Igwe and Morgan Quaintance, with the prize money split equally between them. Both artists have produced significant bodies of work and consistently push the boundaries of what filmmaking can do. We are delighted that the Jarman Award can recognise both artists at a landmark moment in their respective careers, to celebrate the breadth and vitality of two distinct approaches to the moving image.”

Find further texts and images on Film London's website, https://filmlondon.org.uk/

Huge congratulations, Onyeka!

In celebration of the Jarman Award, Onyeka Igwe’s A Radical Duet (2023) and Morgan Quaintance’s Repetitions (2022) will screen from 27 November – 10 December on the Living Canvas at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Europe’s largest digital art screen.

Visitors to Tate Britain can catch Onyeka's current exhibition our generous mother which explores the story of the University of Ibadan, the oldest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria. Until 17th May. 

Further information can be found here: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/art-now-onyeka-igwe