Artist Biography
Sokari Douglas Camp
Born in Buguma, Rivers State, Nigeria. Sokari Douglas Camp studied fine art at Central School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. Sokari represented Britain and Nigeria in National exhibitions. This artist’s growth is incredible, and to date she had more than 40 solo shows worldwide.
The artist’s work includes many sculptures in steel inspired by the two cultures that forged her: African and Western cultures. In her art the echo of Kalabari rituals is strong. At the same time, there is fierce criticism of colonialism and gender inequality. It comes with passionate participation in environmental issues. Above all, the one concerning the pollution in Niger Delta.
Her works are indeed in venues such as National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institute 1988-89, the Museum of Mankind, London 1994/5. Her public artworks include Battle Bus: Living Memorial for Ken Saro‐Wiwa (2006). This, in particular, is a full-scale replica of a Nigerian steel bus, which stands as a monument to the late Niger Delta activist and writer.
Her works are in permanent collections at The Smithsonian Museum, Washington, D.C., Setagaya Museum, Tokyo and the British Museum, London. In 2005 she was awarded a CBE in recognition of her services to art.
In 2012, she presented in The House of Commons All the World is Now Richer, a memorial to commemorate the abolition of slavery. She exhibited the sculpture also in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, 2014.
Battle Bus will be travelling to Nigeria as part of Action Saro – Wiwa a campaign to clean up the Niger Delta Summer 2015.
