This Nigerian Painter Just Won a MacArthur 'Genius' Grant

Los Angeles-based Nigerian painter, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, is the winner of a 2017 MacArthur "Genius" Grant.

This Nigerian Painter Just Won a MacArthur 'Genius' Grant

Lauded Nigerian-American painter, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, is one of 24 winners of the 2017 MacArthur "Genius" Grant.

The yearly fellowship, awards $625,000 to professionals across multiple disciplines, including historians, musicians, architects, visual artists, and more who have "shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction." The award is paid out over five years. Past winners include Nigerian novelistChimamanda Nigozi Adichie and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Crosby, who studied biology and art in undergrad, was recognized for "visualizing the complexities of globalization and transnational identity in works that layer paint, photographic imagery, prints, and collage elements."

Other notable recipients include, New York-based photographer Dawoud Bey, and country singer Rhiannon Giddens of the Grammy award winning group the Carolina Chocolate Drops. 

Check out the full list of winners via NPR.

Watch Crosby talk about her work in the video below.

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OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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