Mesoma Hammida Onyeagba born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and hailing from Enugu State, works in the mediums of painting, textiles and fashion-based art. She obtained her BFA at the University of Ottawa and an MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). She was awarded the Suzanne Rivard-Le Moyne Award (2022) from uOttawa and the Municipal Art League Fellowship Award (2024) from SAIC, both based on merit. 

I emphasize on the tangible presence of fabrics as carriers of history, memory, and personal narratives, aiming to highlight the enduring value of what might otherwise be discarded, transforming them into cherished artifacts, playing a redefining role in traditional notions of beauty and advocating for a broader appreciation of art and aesthetics.  

I also explore patterns, shapes and colour coordination, delving into the themes of movement, fluidity and tranquility. I focus on the dynamic interplay of form on the body (clothing) regarding the subject and in the environment (tapestries and quilts). My cultural background influences what I find valuable for collection and creation. Besides personal narratives, collaborative creativity enriches my practice with the goal to inspire, innovate and connect.

Figurative painting is my initial art practice before leaning towards fabric based art. My painting focuses on the representation and appreciation of black women. In the creative process, I explore fashion and tactile memory through one’s choice of clothing centering on identity and emotions of the past. Questions like – Why that piece of clothing, how it makes one feel and its connection with the past and present.

I hope to captivate individuals through positive messaging, a shared creative outlook while engaging with the art on a sensory and emotional level. Emphasis on Familiarity and Nostalgia, Representation and identity, Collaboration and Community, Pattern and Color Interaction through material collection and representational art.