Join us at Bridwell Library for a reception at 6pm, followed by a lecture from 6:30–7:30pm.

Artist’s Statement: Functional Art and Societal Perception 

As a contemporary artist, I believe there is a functional purpose for every piece of art, in scholarly studies, casual conversation, social commentary, religion, or political criticism. I work in the belief that an artist’s expressions should have a functional purpose—rather than being merely aesthetic. Each new work provides an opportunity and fulfills a need for the artist to express their opinions, perceptions, ideologies and beliefs, in the hope that society will consciously perceive the work holistically or critically. I will explore this idea and examine the work on display in Bridwell Library’s exhibition, Experiences Embodied and Remembered: Contemporary Artists Engaging Contemporary Concerns, within the context of my whole artistic practice. – Ifeanyi Anene. 

About the Artist 

Ifeanyi Anene is an artist originally from Lagos, Nigeria. He received his BSc in Psychology from the University of Lagos in 2010. Informed by his childhood in Western Nigeria and his background in psychology, his paintings “explore the ‘position’ where nature, society, and the general order of things meet.” Ifeanyi's works sheds lights on social change, social justice, political advocacy, religion, moral adjudication, social welfare and much more. Ifeanyi was awarded first prize for the 2022 Materials: Hard + Soft International Contemporary at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, Denton, TX. He has recently exhibited at the Richardson Civic Arts Society (2021), Rockwell Art League (2021), Daisha Board Gallery (2023 – solo exhibition). He is a featured artist in Bridwell Library’s exhibition, Experiences Embodied & Remembered: Contemporary Artists Engaging Contemporary Concerns (extended through August 18, 2023). He currently lives and works in Dallas, TX.