Jelili
Atiku

Awardee

Country

Nigeria

Jelili Atiku re-examines history through his performances.

Themes
Reexamining history
Disciplines
Performance
Visual Art
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2015

Profile

Jelili Atiku is a performance artist and sculptor based in Nigeria. His practice, rooted in Yoruba spiritual traditions and contemporary political critique, addresses social, political, and environmental issues. Renowned for his thought-provoking and often provocative performances, Jelili’s work strives to invoke emotional responses and provoke the senses to awaken societal consciousness.Notable works like “Ejìwàrò: The Unearthly" and "Festival of the Earth" have garnered international acclaim, showcasing at significant venues such as the Venice Biennale. His art, characterized by striking costume and public engagement, transcends traditional boundaries, making visible the unseen cultural and historical weights carried by those within Nigerian society.