Within a Virtual Reality (VR) studio located in China, artist and scholar Zainab Nneka Odemwingie has brought to life a project that vividly reflects her dedication to the arts.
Her creation, titled ‘The Legend of Arua,’ transports audiences to the historic Kingdom of Benin City, offering an immersive experience inside the Oba of Benin’s palace. Viewers are granted a full 360-degree perspective of one of the Oba’s sons, the towering figure known as Asua.
Presented through meticulously hand-drawn animation, the narrative introduces the character, explores the circumstances of his birth, and delves into the pivotal moments that shaped his identity. This ambitious endeavor spanned four years, from 2019 to 2022.
Odemwingie, originally from Nigeria and now based in the UK, shared that her drive to safeguard Benin’s folklore and its legendary personalities was sparked early in life. She noticed a glaring absence of local mythological figures that resembled her or resonated with her cultural background.
While she appreciated the well-crafted dolls dressed in traditional Western attire and the ubiquitous tales of Cinderella and Princess Elsa during her childhood, she often pondered, “Where are our indigenous fairy tales? Where can I find dolls and stories that honor African royalty, myths, and identity?”
Motivated by a profound appreciation for cultural heritage and storytelling, she has dedicated herself to reviving endangered Benin oral traditions and heroic legends. Her mediums include comics, paintings, sketches, digital technology, and Extended Reality (XR) art, all aimed at inspiring future generations.
Contrary to concerns that artificial intelligence might undermine artists, Odemwingie views art as a deeply personal form of expression that cannot be replaced by AI for those who truly grasp its essence.
“Artists like Bruce Onobrokpeya and Vincent Van Gogh, whose masterpieces such as ‘The Starry Night’ reveal their innermost emotions and thoughts, serve as my inspiration. AI lacks the ability to convey such intimate human experiences.”
She actively employs Generative AI as a tool to connect younger audiences with local folklore heroes and heroines, ensuring the preservation of Benin and broader African cultural legacies for years to come.
In addition to cultural preservation, Odemwingie is committed to uplifting both local and diaspora artists through forthcoming competitive platforms.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s in Fine Arts specializing in Digital Media from Jiangsu University in Zhejiang, China, she has benefited from numerous local and international competitions that propelled her career forward. She now aspires to create similar opportunities for emerging talents worldwide.
“I plan to launch art contests aimed at engaging young people, especially secondary school students, to nurture their artistic journeys early on. This approach mirrors how I began my own path as an artist.”
As a versatile multimedia artist, Odemwingie’s portfolio encompasses paintings, graphic novels, and VR projects such as ‘The Legend of Arua,’ ‘Sunflower Sonata,’ ‘Fulani Elegance,’ and ‘Hearth of Harmony.’ Her solo exhibition, Roots and Resonance (2022) in Abuja, alongside group shows like Dream Alive 4 (2007), Dream Alive 5 (2009) at UNN, and the Goethe Institute Art Workshop Exhibition (2010), highlight her dynamic presence in the art world.