Excitement is building in Nigeria’s art circles as the inaugural Uncle Sam Amuka (USA) Exhibition approaches. Set to take place at the Alexis Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos, from December 16 to 20, 2025, the exhibition promises to showcase some of the country’s most brilliant artistic talents.

Organized by Tourist Club International in collaboration with Vanguard Newspapers, the event will feature a variety of artworks, including the highly anticipated participation of sculptor and painter Fidelis Ugochuku Atumah Abiamuwe, known in the art world as Atumakanism Afrikanism. Atumah’s participation is expected to be one of the key highlights of the exhibition, offering an opportunity for art lovers to engage with the powerful vision of one of Nigeria’s foremost visual artists.

From Childhood Passion to Artistic Eminence

Fidelis Atumah’s artistic journey began at a remarkably young age. Born on June 25, 1961, in Obiaruku, Delta State, Atumah’s immersion in the world of art started at the tender age of four, as he experimented with colours in his father’s studio. His father, Martin Atumah, was a prominent painter and academic who played a pivotal role in nurturing his son’s talent.

Atumah’s passion for art led him to formal education, where he earned an NCE in Fine and Applied Arts (1986), a B.Ed. in Sculpture (1993), and an MFA in Sculpture (2015). Alongside his artistic career, he became a respected educator, serving as a senior lecturer and Head of the Fine Arts Department at the College of Education, Warri, and as Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Delta State Chapter.

Over the years, Atumah has showcased his work in over thirty exhibitions across the globe, including notable shows at the Guinness Art Exhibition in Lagos (2005), the “Eyes Wide Open” SNA exhibition in Abuja (2017), and the New York Art Expo (2019) in Manhattan.

A Narrator of African Identity

Atumah’s art is a vibrant reflection of his deep connection to African culture and spirituality. Drawing from various influences such as masquerades, folklore, mythology, music, and dance, his paintings and sculptures tell powerful stories about African history and traditions. His work is imbued with a rich narrative quality, blending personal identity with collective cultural history.

“My art serves as a medium for expression, where emotions, moods, and passion flow from the subconscious, creating a harmonious and serene visual experience,” Atumah explains. His commitment to social change and advocacy for justice also informs much of his work, making his pieces both reflective and transformative.

Atumah’s work has found its way into the collections of esteemed individuals and institutions, including HRM Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, and notable art dealers such as Andy Ine of Krabhouse Art Gallery and Dozie of Hour Glass Art Gallery.

Anticipation for the USA Exhibition

Atumah’s excitement about participating in the inaugural USA Art Exhibition is palpable. “I’m elated to be part of this historic exhibition, which commemorates Uncle Sam Amuka’s significant impact on the art world,” he says. “This is my first exhibition in Nigeria since I moved to the United States in 2019, and it’s a great honor to contribute to an exhibition that brings together talented Nigerian artists from home and abroad.”

He goes on to praise Uncle Sam Amuka for his longstanding support of the arts: “Uncle Sam has touched countless lives through his contributions to the arts and beyond. His work has helped build relationships, foster education, and create lasting memories across cultures.”

Works to be Displayed at the Exhibition

At the USA Exhibition, Atumah will present three new works, each created in 2025, that reflect his deep philosophical and spiritual musings.

1. ‘Gratitude’
   Medium/Style: Oil on Canvas; Abstraction
   Size: 48″ x 60″
   Atumah explains that this piece is a tribute to Uncle Sam Amuka’s life and wisdom. “It symbolizes gratitude for the blessings Uncle Sam has received — wisdom, compassion, and the strength to overcome life’s challenges. His life has been a testament to the power of hard work and faith.”
2. ‘Blessed All Round’
   Medium/Style: Acrylic and Oil on Canvas; Abstract Expressionism
   Size: 48″ x 48″
   This piece is a heartfelt expression of thanks. Atumah explains, “It acknowledges the blessings that come from the divine — health, wisdom, and love. At 90, Uncle Sam will surely reflect on his life with deep gratitude for all he has experienced and accomplished.”
3. ‘Death is Inevitable, Life is a Gift, Tomorrow is not Guaranteed’
   Medium/Style: Oil on Canvas; Surrealism
   Size: 24″ x 36″
   Through surrealist imagery, this work explores the fragility of life and the importance of living with intention and gratitude. “It reminds us that life is a gift, and how we live it matters more than how long we live,” Atumah reflects. “Uncle Sam, having lived a long and impactful life, will likely look back with a smile, knowing he lived well.”

A Legacy of Impact

For Fidelis Atumah, the Uncle Sam Amuka Exhibition is not just about showcasing his art but also about celebrating the legacy of an individual who has influenced countless lives. “Uncle Sam’s work is not about wealth; it’s about touching lives and making a difference,” he says. “His life is a powerful reminder of what truly matters — the relationships we build and the impact we have on others.”

As the art world prepares to celebrate Uncle Sam Amuka’s contributions and legacy, Atumah’s participation in the exhibition represents not just a personal milestone but a moment to reflect on the transformative power of art.