ARTIST BIO
Joy Okokon received her MFA in Visual Studies from Missouri State University in Springfield, an MA in Art, Department of Art, Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and her BFA from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. She currently serves as a Teacher of Record of foundations class and pursing her MFA degree at Missouri State University. Her work observes a growing inclination among Nigerian women towards global and Western trends, leading to a decline in the adoption of traditionally symbolic hairstyles. This shift in culture raises her concern about the potential fading of these cherished traditions. Consequently, her creative endeavors transcend mere self-expression; they become a dedicated mission to safeguard the legacy of these hairstyles. This mission extends not only within Nigeria's borders but also reaches beyond, aiming to preserve and celebrate this cultural heritage. She has showcased her work in galleries both nationally and internationally, including exhibitions in California, Detroit, New Jersey, Virginia, Ghana, Nigeria, Missouri, and Charleston, among others. Recently, she completed a workshop at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and held a solo exhibition in Springfield, Missouri. She was honored with the 2022 Outstanding Student Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Center in Hamilton, NJ, and was named the 2024 Kaabo Clay Awardee at the 4th Annual Kaabo Award for Black Ceramicists in Sarasota, FL.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Stories are embedded in each strand of Nigerian hair, serving as a bridge across generations and embodying the legacy of cultural expression. Hair-making, a skill passed down through generations in my family, began as a personal practice and has evolved into a powerful means of exploring and showcasing the cultural significance of hair braiding through creative works. I use materials such as stoneware clay, black & gold glazes, walnut wood, pins. These materials are carefully selected for their cultural relevance and are used to emphasize and highlight these narratives. By celebrating the stories woven into each strand of Nigerian hair, this work underscores its role in connecting the past with the present, bridging generational divides, and preserving cultural heritage. Through these art forms, the aim is to honor and sustain the personal and collective legacy that continues to bind generations together.
WEBSITE: www.joyokokon.com
INSTAGRAM: @joy.m.okokon
