Nigerian artist recycles aluminium cans for brilliantly upcycled artwork

A 37-year-old artist from Nigeria has figured out the most innovative way to create art with a sustainable approach toward it. Chibuike Ifedilichukwu collects and recycles aluminium cans to design bigger-than-life portraits of famous personalities to raise awareness in his nation.

A photographer, curator, graphic designer, printmaker by passion, and an artist at heart, Chibuike has created over 40 upcycled artworks from waste materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. He exhibits his recycled aluminium items on domestic and international platforms, having sold some pieces at $1,000 each.

The artist’s success should not be measured by the amount of money he makes but by the idea with which he appeals to the masses. Chibuike’s intense thoughtfulness for nature has led him to recycle as many aluminium cans for his artwork. He aspires to initialise a community-based art gallery that would inspire artists to engage in environmental drives.

“I wanted to find a unique way to express myself, and I researched. I found that nobody does this pattern of art,” Ifedilichukwu told the press.

He uses materials like wood, plastic, copper wire, rope, injection bottles and aluminium discarded by local pharmaceutical companies to create interesting abstracts and portraits.

Ifedilichukwu talks about his hometown, Akwa and jocularly says that there is no shortage of supplies for his artwork in the region. “When I go scavenging, people see me as a mad person,” he added.

“But I’m making a living out of it … and I’m creating awareness to make our environment safe,” Ifedilichukwu proudly said.

AL Circle is amazed to see such a noble initiative, and we congratulate the silent hero, Chibuike Ifedilichukwu, on his amazing accomplishments. May we have more artists like him who believe in recycled art.

If you wish to learn more about the recycling sector of the aluminium industry, please have a look at AL Circle’s report, World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis.